Michelin pilot sport a/s 3 cupping issue
 

Hi all,

A year ago I bought a used 2011 Lexus GS 350 RWD with 30k miles for a great deal, knowing very well that the car was involved in a minor accident to the front passenger side, which needed the hub replaced.

I bought the car with a new set of Michelin pilot sport a/s 3 (also listed on the Carfax after the dealer bought the car, and the car drove smooth for about a year. After putting 10k on the tires, I started to experience tire drone coming from the passenger side (coincidentally the same location where the accident was reported on the Carfax).

I have since had the tires rebalanced using a Hunter Road Force and the problem still persists ( I am assuming the tires are already cupped). I took the car to the Toyota dealership where they performed a full suspension inspection, and besides the car being slightly out of alignment (tow was a little off), they found no mechanical issues with the car. Rotating the tires after the alignment did not resolve the issue.

So my question to the community is this: If Toyota couldn't find any mechanical issues with the suspension system, what is causing a highly rated tire, being Michelin, to cup on the outer edges of all 4 tires, more so on the front? Should I dump the car now now given it's less than perfect history, or blindly throw on another brand of tire. If the latter is the best option, what AS tire do you guys recommend?

Thanks!
Bill

Sounds like your problem that the toe was out, having toe out of spec will chew the tires up.

Also theres a lower control arm bushing in the rear thats pretty cheap at the dealer and very easy to repair. This usually wears out and throws the alignment off.

You may also want to post your alignment sheet so we can see whats going on

Updated with alignment data. Toyota was honestly no help at all. From what I understand, cupping is usually caused by worn or bent suspension components. Was the alignment off that much to cause cupping on all 4 corners in 10k miles?

It seems like they fixed it, you can try to have them recheck it after 1k miles.

As far as the cupping, you can mount the damaged tire in the rear, undo traction control and do a small burnout. That should smoothen out the tire for you.

Are you on OEM suspension? In total your at about 40k on the gs? Toe will chew through tires. Could also be driving habits.

I personally take left turns way harder than right turns which leads to cupping on the right front tire. I have -2.5 camber all around and my tires are dead in 10-15k even with flipping.

Correct, I am OEM bone stock with everything. I was told by the dealer that a slight misalignment shouldn't cause cupping on all fours. Ok, so what's causing the freaking issue if not the suspension?

Should I throw caution to the wind and buy a different brand of tire? I was thinking about purchasing Continental ExtremeContact DWS. Is this tire too aggressive?

I know **** about alignments, I'll be honest. Was my tow that far out of spec?

I hate my DWS they also cupped very easily. I too had alignment issues.

I didnt like the DWS as well. For me they started howling after 5k.

Never driven on the roads in VA, but that could be an issue as well? Pilot Sport AS3's are rated 500 AA. It shouldn't be an issue with the tire unless they were purchased used. If i remember right once your tires already are cupped, alignments and everything else wont help.

I would drive til your tires are dead, swap, and check carefully then.