Dec 15, 2014, 03:12 PM
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Inner and outer tire wear.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 302
Inner and outer tire wear.
My 2001 Lexus 430 with 115,000 miles has 4 Michelin Primacy MXV4 17s with 15,000 miles on them. I have rotated them twice (cross rotation) and all 4 tires have even tread across except that the outer and inner edges of the tires show more wear. I probably had the tires inflated around 33lbs most of the time. I showed the wear to a tire shop which told me that the LS430 characteristically leans over to the sides of the tires when turning hard and this is normal wear. I was thinking that possibly my tires were underinflated. I have 6/32nds on every tire and the inside and outsides of every tire show the same wear (all show 3/32nds inside and outside). The shop also mentioned that only the middle treads are measured when considering any warranty issues. I have plenty of meat left on my tires and am now keeping them at a constant 35lbs all around. My car steers straight as an arrow and I have no suspension issues that I'm aware of. If it were suspension related I would think either the inside or outsides would be worn more than the other. For those with Primacy MXV4s, how are they wearing? What do you guys think?
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 190
Likes: 11
From: NY
Did I miss the part where you said you had it aligned...? 
Worn suspension bushings can also cause abnormal wear. But you wont be able to find that out without having a technician inspect the suspension components.
Worn suspension bushings can also cause abnormal wear. But you wont be able to find that out without having a technician inspect the suspension components.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 302
When I had my car brought in for rotations, they run it through for those quick alignment check machines and it has always came up green all around. They love to sell you alignments, but have not asked. I did go to an alignment shop awhile ago and after looking at my tires, he told me it was not necessary and I would be throwing away money as my tires looked good to him. Once again, even if it were worn control arm bushings which is common.......how is that all 4 tires (after measuring with tire depth gauge) show the identical amount of wear on the inner and outsides? This is the reason I am leaning towards underinflation. I live in Florida where the roads are brutally hot.
It sounds like under inflation. If it is stock size, I usually do 2 psi above the recommended listed on the door jamb. I am lowered and run a staggered setup, my tie wear is even even with some negative camber. You can check an alignment as well, maybe your toe is out and you have abnormal tire wear. And lastly suspension parts like tie rods or check bushings. Good luck in finding your problem
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 107
From: AZ
My 2001 Lexus 430 with 115,000 miles has 4 Michelin Primacy MXV4 17s with 15,000 miles on them. I have rotated them twice (cross rotation) and all 4 tires have even tread across except that the outer and inner edges of the tires show more wear. I probably had the tires inflated around 33lbs most of the time. I showed the wear to a tire shop which told me that the LS430 characteristically leans over to the sides of the tires when turning hard and this is normal wear. I was thinking that possibly my tires were underinflated. I have 6/32nds on every tire and the inside and outsides of every tire show the same wear (all show 3/32nds inside and outside). The shop also mentioned that only the middle treads are measured when considering any warranty issues. I have plenty of meat left on my tires and am now keeping them at a constant 35lbs all around. My car steers straight as an arrow and I have no suspension issues that I'm aware of. If it were suspension related I would think either the inside or outsides would be worn more than the other. For those with Primacy MXV4s, how are they wearing? What do you guys think?
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,146
Likes: 70
From: Illinois
Sounds like under-inflation. I too try to keep PSI about 2 above recommended = 35 psi. I'm at 60K+ miles and still have tread left (before wear bars). Given that you apparently have the same wear pattern on all 4 tires would tend to suggest that it's not alignment.
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Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
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Jayclapp.....Actually the MXV4 is asymmetrical and can be cross rotated which gives each tire an opportunity to be on every position of the car sooner or later. Great for even wear.
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Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 190
Likes: 11
From: NY
I misread this, I thought you just said the inner edge was worn.
Both outer and inner wear would indicate underinflation as previously stated, but if you are running at the correct PSI then I'm not sure. Unless your tire pressure gauge is incorrect.
I dont know if I can agree with jayclapp, I dont see how running a directional tire the wrong way would affect tread wear. I think the most that would happen is the tires wouldnt be able to evacuate rain or snow as they were designed.
Both outer and inner wear would indicate underinflation as previously stated, but if you are running at the correct PSI then I'm not sure. Unless your tire pressure gauge is incorrect.
I dont know if I can agree with jayclapp, I dont see how running a directional tire the wrong way would affect tread wear. I think the most that would happen is the tires wouldnt be able to evacuate rain or snow as they were designed.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 302
Thanks Tom57 and everyone for all their input. Yes, under-inflation is where my thoughts are now. Lexus is not specific on tire pressure for V rated tires. H=130mph and 32psi, W=168mph and 35 psi. No mention of V rated...maybe 33psi? I might need to try and stay as close to 35lbs as possible. It might require going to 36-37lbs so that I don't fall below 35. I watch my tires constantly and if I see any signs of over inflation (excessive middle tread wear), I can make the correction. In addition, tires lose air fairly quickly and need to be checked every 30 days.
Last edited by Bocatrip; Oct 26, 2014 at 05:20 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,146
Likes: 70
From: Illinois
Thanks Tom57 and everyone for all their input. Yes, under-inflation is where my thoughts are now. Lexus is not specific on tire pressure for V rated tires. H=130mph and 32psi, W=168mph and 35 psi. No mention of V rated...maybe 33psi? I might need to try and stay as close to 35lbs as possible. It might require going to 36-37lbs so that I don't fall below 35. I watch my tires constantly and if I see any signs of over inflation (excessive middle tread wear), I can make the correction. In addition, tires lose air fairly quickly and need to be checked every 30 days.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 302
Since PSI is based upon cold air inflation, I check tire pressure in the early morning after the tires have cooled overnight to get the most accurate cold tire inflation readings. Even a warm tire will show a slightly higher PSI reading (which is a lower cold air PSI) resulting in low or under-inflation at colder temps.
Last edited by Bocatrip; Oct 28, 2014 at 09:26 AM.
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