Tires Cupping

[Bigfoot]

Hi all,

I took my 13 4Runner in for its 100k service recently and the tech noted that the tires were cupping. Some uneven tire wear was expected (the tires were near their end of life and I was bad about rotating for the last 10-15k miles), but cupping was a bit of a surprise.

My question is whether the cupping issue was likely just from my failure to rotate the tires?

I put a new set of AT3s on the truck for unrelated reasons (nail in unrepairable area + near end of treadlife) and I’d like to avoid a recurrence of the cupping problem. The truck tracks well so I wasn’t planning on getting an alignment done, but I’m reconsidering. Most of what I read about cupping points to alignment issues (and not failure to rotate) as the usual cause of cupping. Does that sound right?

Thanks!

 

[Dillusion]

Just because it drives fine doesn't mean alignment isn't out of whack.

Think of it this way. You want to pay for alignment or new tires? Depending on road conditions you might want to get alignment sooner than later. My wifes Highlander we paid for the lifetime alignment at Firestone and I use that shit yearly.

Too bad it doesn't apply to vehicles with modded suspension so the 4R is out.

 

[5thToy]

in addition to alignment, worn shocks and/or suspension parts may also be the culprit.

 

[Frodaddy]

Hi all,

I took my 13 4Runner in for its 100k service recently and the tech noted that the tires were cupping. Some uneven tire wear was expected (the tires were near their end of life and I was bad about rotating for the last 10-15k miles), but cupping was a bit of a surprise.

My question is whether the cupping issue was likely just from my failure to rotate the tires?

I put a new set of AT3s on the truck for unrelated reasons (nail in unrepairable area + near end of treadlife) and I’d like to avoid a recurrence of the cupping problem. The truck tracks well so I wasn’t planning on getting an alignment done, but I’m reconsidering. Most of what I read about cupping points to alignment issues (and not failure to rotate) as the usual cause of cupping. Does that sound right?

Thanks!

Is it lifted? If so what method and how tall?

Have you ever had it aligned? Do you have those specs?

Ever replaced the shocks / Struts? If so what brand?

How many miles did you get out of your last set of tires?

Anything else you can tell us?

 

[gamefreakgc]

in addition to alignment, worn shocks and/or suspension parts may also be the culprit.

I bought my 4Runner with cupped tires and a very worn suspension. The tire tech said the same thing, the suspension was worn out and allowing the wheels to wear unevenly.

An alignment will help your new tires last longer though.

 

[truc.karl]

Check also the tie rod ends.