|
Jim Grant's Tech Tips
97
Mercury Villager, Tired Cupping Problems
Q: I
have a Mercury Villager that works just fine, there is only one complaint.
The right front tire is cupping (2000 miles) on the exterior edge of the
tire. The alignment, balancing has been checked but still the same problem.
Any suggestions?.....Alberto
A:
There are two things that come to mind that might explain your problem.
Of course this is on the condition that the service you've had performed
has been done correctly. There is the possibility that the shock absorber/McPherson
strut has a problem. Due to the front-end geometry, the old bounce test
is not a true indicator of the condition of a shock/strut unit. The internal
components of the shock/strut could easily be worn, which can result in
tire cupping. Also, beware that loading of the vehicle has an effect on
the suspension geometry and tire wear; loading includes the driver as
well. If the driver of the vehicle is a sizable person then the alignment
should be performed with the driver in the vehicle.
|
|