Kostyan

Hi guys

Our 2013 RX has only 15k mi on the clock, and we got it used at 9k over the summer, so the tires assume are original and have good 50% of tread life left.

It does look like there is a bit of a cupped wear tread pattern on the rears, and Lexus service advisor commented on the need to do an alignment. Cupped wear to me means suspension problems (needs new shocks) and has nothing to do with alignment, so not sure who is right.

With 15k mi, I do think that if any alignment issues those need to be covered under full bumper to bumper wtty- is that right? Just hoping to see what the real problem is and it is covered by wtty..

fastnoypi

really depends where the cupping is on the tire. If it is along the edge then it can mean suspension problems, endlink issues, wheel bearings..etc. If the wear pattern is in the middle..its can be from under inflated tires, unbalanced tires, poor quality tires.. as well as the possibility of bad shocks.

FWIW, my 2010 POC RX350 had a TSB on its rear shocks. The dealership had replaced the shocks prior to delivery. You may check to see if there was a TSB on the 2013 models since you have very low miles.

Keep us in the loop how Lexus finally resolves your issue.

gklatv

I have had some Goodyear tires (not on RX though) years ago that developed cupping. Tire specialist told me that some Goodyear tires prone to this. I recall replacement tires (Bridgestones, I believe) fixed the problem on that vehicle.

litzdog911

What tire inflation pressure are you using?

NateJG

Cupping is most likely caused by tire imbalance.

Tire imbalance can usually be "heard" (wawawawawa) before it shows up as wear/cupping.

Cupping can be retarded - but not eliminated - by expertly balancing the tire(s).