Tires

[Panamint]

Greetings,

I have a 2000 4 Runner Limited 4x4 and would like some opinions regarding tire wear. It seems the outside edges of my front tires wear quite a bit faster than the others which is often the case with many cars/trucks. I rotate approximately every 8 to 12k miles and have about 45,000 on the current set of Nitto Terra Grapler A/Ts. The tires are one size over standard at 265/75 on the stock 16" rims. The coils are the taller sized 1999 version which I had switched out from my previously owned 99' 4-Runner. My independent Toyota mechanic seemed to think the front end geometry was in good order however, he does not do alignment work or balancing. I've heard that some Toyota trucks are known for this type of wear but it would be nice to get some additional opinions from those with 4x4 experience. The Grapplers have worked ok for the occaisional off-road trips in the CA desert/mountains and I did manage to put minor hole in the side wall of one about 6 months ago. I had Bridgestone Dueller A/Ts on the previous 4-Runner and it seemed like they held up a little better. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I've been recommended with Toyota a 4000 mile rotation is best since the fronts seem to be hard to align. 8000 miles is bit long between rotations.

I have a bit over 40k on my Nittos and the outsides are wearing a bit faster too but that is expected with if you consdier everything equal the outside edges of the tire still will take more abuse from the forces of cornering being higher on the outside edges.

I'd just rotate more often since 45k is pretty good from Nittos considering they have very good dry grip on pavement.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

check tie rod inners and rack play

I have noticed similar symptoms.

I recently had tie rod inners replaced and it seems to have rectified it for now.

Also check the steering rack itself for excessive pay/wear.

Ball joints and tie rod outers are also all part of the front steering and supension, have those checked as well while the alignment tech is at it.

 

[Panamint]

Thank you Gentleman,

I'll move up the rotation schedule and have those suspension items checked over by an alignment shop. Do you ever have the tire shop reverse the tire on the wheel? Seems like I will likely need to stick with the Grapplers for now as one is only 4 months old...