Tommytbone

Hi ALL,
07 ES350 184,XXX miles I have always had tire cupping issue's, I thought it was because of cheap tires, not getting an alignment and not getting the tires rotated. I also did not know struts should replaced every 70,000 miles. So this time I decided to do it right, all new struts from Lexus, alignment, a good mid range tire (Fuzion). 5,000 miles later I'm still dealing with cupping. I brought the car back the tire shop they rechecked the alignment was off very little. Could the tires be my problem or is there some other part of the suspension I should look it to be replaced. ANY insight would be greatly appreciated.

jkayca

Maybe its the tires but at only 5000 it seems a little soon even for a cheap tire. I've always gone with Michelins on my car. I've never heard of Fuzion.

You do not need to replace the struts at every 70,000. You need to get them inspected regularly along with the rest of the suspension and replaced as needed. At 185k+ you probably needed some work done anyway. Did the rest of the suspension get inspected?

I found this article which may shed some light on tire cupping
https://www.reference.com/vehicles/c...32efe17fb52adf

Tommytbone

They said did and did not see anything. They told me they have never seen this happen so soon also. If hubs, tie rod ends or ball joints were worn out these's parts should show up when an alignment is done correct. This is my wife's car, if I can't figure this out, we will shopping for a new ES, she loves the car.

nevernu

I assume you got a proper wheel balancing as part of the install, and no weights were thrown since?

Tommytbone

Not that I know of, but that does remind me of something. The car always seems to get a low speed vibration, get the tires balanced and it goes away, I'm talking 20 ish, I will drive it this weekend.

jkayca

After making sure the wheels are balanced, my next guess would be the wheel bearings.

nevernu

Out of curiosity, are the wheel rims original OEM or aftermarket?

Tommytbone

jkayca
I was thinking wheel bearings. I guess if I pull the wheel, I should be able to turn the rotor my hand and be able to feel and grinding?? Maybe

OEM wheels

jkayca

The wheel should turn smoothly. Also, if the bearings are bad you'll probably hear it when on the road. If you are taking off the wheels, check that the hubs aren't rusty. If they are you can take a wire brush to them to clean them up. Watch for debris though. Some compressed air blown around the hub and brake assembly should clean it up.