dkemple

I bought my (used) 2014 IS250 AWD because I loved the way it looks and I thought Lexus would be dependable and worry-free. I just took it in for 30K check-up and heard about the problem with the design that causes tires to wear out in 15K miles or so. One tire is nearly bald and the other one looks nearly new. Do I really have to buy two new tires and get alignment every 15K miles or so? Is there a good workaround? I saw someone say something about a kit they bought to fix this issue.

manchild

No you don't have to buy tires and you do not need a kit. If you go to an independent mechanic or an independent tire shop with competent people they can set your alignment to what ever you ask them to (within reason). If you are talking about camber wear then rotate the tires and be prepared to see the inside edge wear out prematurely if you do not. Other than that you can ask your best local shop to dial back the camber and change the toe to prolong tire life. You WILL loose some handling benefits.

jr4div2

Actually, yes. You probably will have to buy new tires every 15-20k unless you upgrade the lower control arm bushings. However, your tire wear is not indicative of the design issue with the OEM bushings. When the wear is limited primarily to the inner of both front tires, that is because of the crappy, soft, but comfortable bushings Lexus puts in the IS. You say one is bald and the other looks new. That;s not because of bushings. That's either a bad/older tire or some very weird alignment problem with the bad tire.

Drawblood

If you have your original tires on, they will be shot after 15K. High performance tires don't last long. The "sticky" rubber wears quickly and the UTQG rating is probably around 200 or less. Owners have complained about inside wear and RR Racing has a fix for that. The LCA bushings are too soft which cause tire wobble, especially at higher speeds.
There's a video on the website as well.

http://www.rr-racing.com/Lexus-Lower...isfxlca001.htm

specONE

iTrader: (3)

Very common problem with the IS model since 2006 (3rd Gen IS shares the same front suspension component layout.)

Like everyone mentioned, replace lower control arm bushing with stiffer aftermarket solution from Figs engineering or RR racing will help minimize the tire wear.

jkonquer

so are you saying you have wearing problem on only one tire of the fronts? If so, I would check your alignment before buying anything. Maybe your toe on one side is way off but you would feel it while driving it is that bad.

computerwi

After only 20,000 km, my front factory Bridgestone Turanza El400 tires are shot. 2/32" on the inside, 4/32" on the outside. Dealer confirms that the front tires on the IS wear out quickly. My alignment is good and I get it checked every year due to our potholes. Rear tires seem to be wearing evenly with 8/32" left. I only drive on this set from spring to fall too.

I think I will be replacing all four with the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus. Always did hate the stock tires. Not to mention, these tires are very expensive. Dealer wanted $680 CAD just to replace the front two.