strad

It is an AWD model. My mother just purchased it used from a Lexus dealer last weekend. At freeway speeds she noticed a shimmy, and she had one of her friends' husbands check the tires out (she's on a road trip and not near me or a Lexus dealer). He found that the tires are starting to delaminate in the front and tread is quite worn on the outer edges. The vehicle has a warranty (30 days or 1500 miles) and of course lexus is saying they will only pay for the front tires. (we don't know if that is the whole cause of the shimmy yet I might add). But to deal with the immediate problem, what is Lexus's recommendation regarding replacement of tires on an AWD 350? Do they really say it's ok to replace tires by axle? Because I know that can screw things up on some other cars. . .

I told her to read the owner's manual and see what it says on the matter. Just trying to get some more information.

lexsc4

If I was in your situation and the dealer is willing to pay for the front tires, I would ask the dealer to replace 2 tires with the same brand/model as the rear (same thread design). Then tell them to put the new tires to the rear and move the old rear tires to the front.

pauljcl

It depends on the relative wear. If there is little or no wear on the 'old' tires, you can have newer tires on the front or back and the older ones on the back or front.

nipponbird

If the front tyres are showing the signs the you mention strad, they're not young anymore and the rear tyres will most probably have seen some action as well. Let mama put new ones on the back as well (out of her pocket or for what she's done for you all these years, out of your pocket) and have the wheel alignment etc thoroughly checked.

rxonmymind

Dealership have a MINIMUM tread wear depth before they can sell a car. At least that's been my experience when asking about bald tires on such & such car. It's a safety issue especially going into the fall rainy season.

roadbike56

Unless the rear tires are newer and in excellent condition, I'd pay for them to be replaced at the same time. They should come balanced by the garage installing them. That means the only other possible cause for a shimmy is the alignment. I just went through the same thing with our 09 Lexus.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

I would replace all 4 - and dont forget to have the dealer pay for the alignment