Why have the rear tires on my car worn unevenly???Help?

Question

I own a 1994 ford taurus and i recently had a flat. Upon further inspection i noticed severe inside tire wear right down to the steel belt. The wear is consistent on both rear tires, but only on the inside of tire {approx 2-3inches}(can hardly see wear unless get right under there and look). My question is what should i fix? I called one tire shop they said struts, i asked a buddy of mine he thinks rear allignment(although i never heard of rear alignment). So hear i sit wondering if i should buy used tire or new. Dont want to put new tires on just to have it happen again. Pleae help Me!!!!!! Thanks

Answer 1

You need to have a 4-wheel alignment done on the car that is both the rear and the fronts done at the same time......

Answer 2

You need to get new tires and a thrust alignment, which includes both front and rear and also the car based on the center-line or thrust of the vehicle. Usually only independent rear suspension cars have adjustable alignments, but you have a front wheel drive car. It may be that you will need the rear tweaked (read adjusted by bending with a special tools) to fix the problem. It may also be that the rear suspension is tired and needs new bushings. Either way you will need new tires to get the car aligned.

Answer 3

It is an alignment problem - specifically the toe angle.  Camber, contrary to popular myth is not a tire wearing angle.  Since this is a 94' Taurus I would recommend checking to make sure the coil springs in the suspension are not broken.  Taurus' of this vintage seem to fall into two categories:  Those with 1 or more broken springs and those that have had the springs replaced.  Broken coil springs of course will really mess with the wheel alignment.

If everything is intact and the ball joints, tie rod ends and front wheel bearings (other problem areas for this particular car) are not loose then get the alignment corrected.  If you don't the same thing will happen to your replacement tires.  

PS

Yes, the alignment angles are adjustable on the front and rear suspensions on this car.  Your thinking about the old rear-drive, live axle behemoths of the 1960's and 70's that only had front wheel alignments.  Those days are over forever.

Answer 4

the alignment might be off, i would have that checked first, my brothers tires did the same thing in the back, he got new ones and fixed the alignment and it hasnt happened again

Answer 5

Because your Toe and Camber are out of whack. Take it to a tire place and have them adjust the alignment and new tires are better, but old tires are ok as long as they have enough tread and aren't too old. Over 4 years and don't buy them

Answer 6

No such thing as rear allignment. The tires may be out of balance or the struts(shocks) may be bad. Since both have worn out in the same pattern a strut problem may be more likely. Additionally you need to periodically rotate the tires since they will usually not wear evenly even if everything else is right. You obviously need new tires and they will be balanced when you buy them. Also be careful about struts. I just bought new tires and was told I need new struts(for an additional $2K-an old Mercedes.) I went to the Mercedes dealer and was told my struts were fine.

Answer 7

If you watch your vehicle go up on the hoist at the garage, you will notice that the tires turn inward.........when they are on the ground they straighten out due to the weight of your vehicle.

I was advised to have a 4 wheel alignment done on my vehicle at least once a year to make sure all the components controlling the suspension are properly adjusted. They get thrown out of whack due to wear and tear on rough roads, potholes, speed bumps, winter ice/snow, etc., and need to be "aligned" again from time to time.

This is why your rear tires are worn. There is something amiss with your rear suspension.

I would also invest in new tires once the alignment has been done. You are riding on your tires! They can either help in keeping you safe and secure, or they can cause problems, inconvenience and dangerous situations to arise.

Answer 8

sounds like your alignment is off -- take it to a wheel shop for an alignment

Answer 9

If you can find a place to check the suspension out for free, might as well do that too.  But, it's highly unlikely that is the problem.  

More then likely it's the alignment.  There's nothing wrong with buying new tires but when you get them mounted & balanced, it's a good idea to get your alignment done so that this doesn't happen again.  

A good shop should offer to check your rear suspension out for free.  But, I can't believe a tire shop's word over the phone of that being the problem without even inspecting the vehicle.

Answer 10

Replace your tires every 4 - 5 years, if not you are bound to get a flat regaurdless of your rear allignment.  Wear on your tires cause rear alignment and not vice versa, it's good to get an alignment every once and a while.

Answer 11

you may hit curbs when parking etc or sometimes if you make turns a lot on one side (rotaries etc.) it could cause wear faster.  i think alignment would be the most likely