Tire Cupping - Replace Lower Control Arms & Tie Rods?

[INW4RUNNER]

I am an original owner of a 2004 SR5 V6 with 230K miles. Stock configuration and suspension.

I have been running Cooper AT3's. Cupping pretty bad with about 40K miles on them. Been rotated regularly at 5K. Trucks handles normal and smooth on the road. Just noise from the cupped tires.

I have been planning on replacing the tires in the Spring. Brought the truck into my local Toyota dealer for a suspension inspection. They have serviced the truck since new and have always been honest with no upsell BS. The technician did a test drive, and everything felt normal to him. He then put it on the alignment machine, and everything checked ok within spec. He then racked it up and inspected the suspension. Shocks and struts were fine and no leaks. Only issues he found were the front LCA bushings have "some play" and the right outer/inner tie rod has a "very small amount of play". The technician said those issues could "possibly" causing or contributing to the tire cupping. Both he and the advisor said they did not see any compelling reason to replace the LCA's or the Tie Rods, at least from a safety standpoint. At over $2K to replace those parts, I sure do not want to do it if there is no safety issue, and it is only conjecture to what extent if any these minor issues are contributing to the tire cupping. On the other hand, I do not want to buy a new set of tires only to burn through them prematurely because of tire cupping. It is my goal is to get my 4Runner to 300K or another 5 years whichever comes first. I guess pragmatically speaking, burning through an extra set of tires, will cost a lot less than the cost of replacing those parts. If I knew for sure replacement of those parts would solve the cupping problem, or if there was a safety issue, then I would probably bite the bullet and replace the LCA's and Tie Rods.

Thoughts?

 

[Too Stroked]

I am an original owner of a 2004 SR5 V6 with 230K miles. Stock configuration and suspension.

I have been running Cooper AT3's. Cupping pretty bad with about 40K miles on them. Been rotated regularly at 5K. Trucks handles normal and smooth on the road. Just noise from the cupped tires.

I have been planning on replacing the tires in the Spring. Brought the truck into my local Toyota dealer for a suspension inspection. They have serviced the truck since new and have always been honest with no upsell BS. The technician did a test drive, and everything felt normal to him. He then put it on the alignment machine, and everything checked ok within spec. He then racked it up and inspected the suspension. Shocks and struts were fine and no leaks. Only issues he found were the front LCA bushings have "some play" and the right outer/inner tie rod has a "very small amount of play". The technician said those issues could "possibly" causing or contributing to the tire cupping. Both he and the advisor said they did not see any compelling reason to replace the LCA's or the Tie Rods, at least from a safety standpoint. At over $2K to replace those parts, I sure do not want to do it if there is no safety issue, and it is only conjecture to what extent if any these minor issues are contributing to the tire cupping. On the other hand, I do not want to buy a new set of tires only to burn through them prematurely because of tire cupping. It is my goal is to get my 4Runner to 300K or another 5 years whichever comes first. I guess pragmatically speaking, burning through an extra set of tires, will cost a lot less than the cost of replacing those parts. If I knew for sure replacement of those parts would solve the cupping problem, or if there was a safety issue, then I would probably bite the bullet and replace the LCA's and Tie Rods.

Thoughts?

Cupping is more likely caused by worn out shocks. I don't care what your dealership says, with 230,000 miles on it, they've been toast for quite some time. And remember, replacing the shocks will not "fix" the cupping on your current tires. It will prevent it on your next set.

 

[INW4RUNNER]

Cupping is more likely caused by worn out shocks. I don't care what your dealership says, with 230,000 miles on it, they've been toast for quite some time. And remember, replacing the shocks will not "fix" the cupping on your current tires. It will prevent it on your next set.

Thank you for your feedback. It is appreciated. The shocks have about 40K miles on them. Replaced in 2017 around the same time the tires were purchased. I should have included that info in my original post. Sorry.

 

[Too Stroked]

Thank you for your feedback. It is appreciated. The shocks have about 40K miles on them. Replaced in 2017 around the same time the tires were purchased. I should have included that info in my original post. Sorry.

You're very welcome! I wouldn't rule out the other items because almost any worn out suspension component can cause cupping, but worn out shocks are the biggest cause in my experience. A worn out shock allows the wheel & tire to flop up and down - sometimes rapidly - and the bouncing of the tire causes the cupping in that case. Good luck!

 

[Bluesky 07]

FWIW, this shriveled, dried-up husk is what was left of one of my LCA bushings. I replaced them a couple of weeks ago with a set from 1A Auto. My truck is an ‘07 with 236K miles. The others looked similar. It’s likely yours are the same or close. You can look at one and see, just get a flashlight and slide under the front end.

Two grand for LCAs & tie rods? The 1A Auto set is ~$200 for both LCAs and it took a few hours of my time. You can likely find a better deal at a local shop. Consider getting into a local 4R FB group and ask around. You’ll soon know who they trust.