Tire Wear Concern

steve.barnett71 · September 12, 2016, 04:51:11 AM

Just returned from a trip yesterday and noticed that my right front tire is wearing on the outside edge and the left front is wearing on the inside edge. The edge of each is worn much more than the rest of the tread. Also the wearing is not even, it kinda has a "scalloped" look to it. Any thoughts on the cause of this wear?

Also, the bus tends to pull to the right slightly.

Scott & Heather · September 12, 2016, 06:13:21 AM

Could
Be an alignment issue, also could be the tire needs to be balanced. Are you using balancing beads or wheel weights? Also could be worn steering linkages/components.

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Utahclaimjumper · September 12, 2016, 09:05:43 AM

It is most positivily an alignement issue and also probably the kingpin bushings are worn causing a CAMBER wear on the tires.>>>Dan

TomC · September 12, 2016, 09:22:51 AM

Sounds like your camber is slanted to the right-positive on the right, negative on the left. Should be just the opposite for our crowned roads. Typically a bit negative on the right and a bit positive on the left. Also toe should be just a tiny bit in-like 1/16"-1/8" toe in. Caster should be sufficient to bring the steering wheel back by itself after a turn-even with power steering.
I have both tires spin balanced. Then also use Centrimatics-ball bearings in a ring of auto trans fluid. No golf balls, or mercury rings-don't do anything. Most importantly make sure your tire pressures are proper for the weight you're carrying-don't guess and run maximum on the side of the tire. Weigh your bus by axle then look up your tire pressure on your tire manufacturer website-then maybe run 5psi higher. My bus needs 80-85. I run 90 all around for simplicity. Good Luck, TomC

luvrbus · September 12, 2016, 10:08:57 AM

If it's wearing on the inside I say the kingpin is wore

eagle19952 · September 12, 2016, 12:52:17 PM

Rear tires scallop too.

Many say this is contributed to by worn shocks.

or low air pressure.

check the easy stuff too.

Melbo · September 12, 2016, 05:02:15 PM

I say get an alignment AND check the shocks.

Melbo

steve.barnett71 · September 13, 2016, 04:29:47 AM

Thanks for the replies. Tires pressures are good. I will check the shocks. Now the big question is where to get the alignment done near Southern Indiana??

Utahclaimjumper · September 13, 2016, 08:11:22 AM

Any competent large truck repair shop can take care of it and have the alignment equipment to do the job.>>>Dan

TomC · September 13, 2016, 08:20:14 AM

Steve-what tire pressure you running? What is the weight of your front axle? Your drive axle? Your tag axle? What tire size you running? Good Luck, TomC

steve.barnett71 · September 13, 2016, 08:28:05 AM

Quote from: TomC on September 13, 2016, 08:20:14 AM
Steve-what tire pressure you running? What is the weight of your front axle? Your drive axle? Your tag axle? What tire size you running? Good Luck, TomC

Tom,
All good questions and I get the point that I need to have the bus weighed. I should have said that the tire pressure is not low. Also, I would not suspect pressures being the issue when it is just one edge of each tire wearing.

chessie4905 · September 13, 2016, 04:31:38 PM

Make sure you check the condition of radius rod bushings. They can look fine and be worn enough to contribute to your problems.