MongooseGA

iTrader: (6)

I put on new Sumitomos last summer and have put maybe 9,000 miles on them. I run minimal negative camber. It's not even visibly noticeable. I've read online reviews of the same tires lasting up to 25,000 miles.

I just replaced my rears last week (actually due to a blowout from them being so bald). The tires looked like racing slicks. I blame part of the wear issues on improper inflation by the shop. They were way overinflated and started crowning after a few thousand miles.

I had thought my front tires were still good. The tread all the way across the tire is still knuckle deep, except for the very inside shoulder. I noticed tonight that the threads are now starting to show. I don't think there's any negative camber on the front end, which leads me to to believe that there may be something wrong with the front end suspension.

My question is: what aspects of the suspension up front do I need to be checking into for this sort of problem? I believe my front ball joints are starting to go, but what else should I look for?

Thanks.

SH_JZZ30

iTrader: (1)

Front control arm bushings and steering rack bushings. Was your car aligned? If so, what were the specs on it? Even though the alignment might "look", that doesn't mean it is good.

MongooseGA

iTrader: (6)

I couldn't even tell you the specs on the alignment. I had it done at a reputable shop the day I left for college last year.

I work for a dealership and we've got a new shop that we use for alignment. I'm thinking that after I have the new tires put on within the next week or two that I'll take it there and have it done. I shouldn't really need any negative camber as the fenders are rolled and it only rubs at highway speed over big bumps and dips.

I read somewhere that the ball joints can't be replaced alone and that the control arms need to be completely replaced. Is this true?

5sp_jzz30

iTrader: (2)

if you dont know alignment specs then we cant help you much.

its not the camber but rather the toe that kills tires like crazy.

MongooseGA

iTrader: (6)

Guess that makes sense. I don't supposed the alignment shop would keep that stuff on record, at least not for over a year.

If it were suspension related, instead of alignment, should I be experiencing any certain driving characteristics? Everything feels fine except for a mild, cyclical vibration in front between 70 and 80 MPH. I've had it realigned and balanced since the problem began and it's still there.

vinh

iTrader: (8)

I would just get an alignment done when you get your new tires and try to get a printout. Obvious things to look for are uneven tire wear, the car pulling in a certain direction, or cupping (but i don't think that's really a factor in your case)

MongooseGA

iTrader: (6)

Uneven wear: check.

No cupping, and the car only goes to one side on roads that aren't level.

TheRonTom3

iTrader: (5)

I have been running sumitomos for 2 summers now. They seem to wear extremely fast for me as well. Barely get 4 months ~7000 miles out of the before they are bald and showing thread. Ran dunlops before that for twice as long without showing thread or belt

1KhpWrx

iTrader: (7)

You problem sounds easy.
Do a check to see if your LowerControlArm bushings need to be replaced.
You can find out how the check is done with a very quick search.
I have had to replace two sets of LCAs and bushings on my 3 SCs.
I blew out a new set of toyo TR1s in 2 months even with an allignment.

818sc400

man my fronts last about 2 years and my rears last 1 year. buying tires every year sucks!!!!!!!!

MongooseGA

iTrader: (6)

Thanks, I'll check into that tonight.