Drivers front outer tire wear + loose steering?

[flnycus]

Hey all, just had some new General grabber tires put on only about 3000 miles ago, i just noticed that the front driver side tire seems to be wearing on the outer lugs, the other three tires look "sharp" and new still. Weird?

I also noticed recently that the steering seems to be "loose". when it was icy i found myself finding it difficult to steer, that hasnt happened before in icy conditions but and i just put it down to the ice and not being used to the new tires?! maybe these two things are tied together?

Anyone have any ideas what i should get checked ? alignment? balancing? tie rods or something else? Im not that mechanical so would either take it back to the tire shop or to the dealer as i have my oil change coming up. Not sure who to take it to and dont want them to take advantage and have me pay to do a bunch of unnecessary stuff.

Cheers.

 

[flnycus]

Anyone?

Would an alignment help? better at the dealer or sts tire where i got the tires from?

 

[talonjade]

most shops can check camber and toe for free... see what they say.

 

[kaizer427]

Could be alignment, but could also be a steering or suspension problem on that one side. Anything from a bad shock, tie rod end, bearing, etc could cause wear issues.

 

[flnycus]

Thanks guys

 

[Sungod]

An alignment check will turn up what the problem is. Something they can adjust will be covered in the alignment, but something broken or worn will have to be replaced. They won't be able to align the wheels with bad parts. The chances are it is something they can adjust, but if it is only on one side, I wouldn't be so sure. How many miles do you have on your 4 runner? A bad wheel bearing will surely cause what you are seeing.

 

[flnycus]

its an 06 sport v8, only has 53,500 miles on it. I baby this thing! Had it 4 years apart from frozen calipers nothing has ever given me a problem, i only just replaced the dunflops 3500 miles ago and i noticed this on one tire. If i let go of the wheel it goes dead straight - not sure if that indicates anything?

Ill be taking it to the tire place tomorrow ill see what they do/say.