Uneven wear in front tires

gusfraga · 06-11-2009, 06:05 AM

My smart has 16000 miles and today I've noticed uneven wear on the front tires wearing from the inside of the front tires.
pics
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/gal...2/imgp0003.jpg
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/gal...2/imgp0008.jpg
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/gal...2/imgp0002.jpg

Any ideas?
Is this issue cover by the warranty?
Any help will be appreciated
regards
Gus

babybenz · 06-11-2009, 06:07 AM

its normal alot of people are seeing the same thing swap the tires from side to side every 7500 miles

gusfraga · 06-11-2009, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babybenz

its normal alot of people are seeing the same thing swap the tires from side to side every 7500 miles

Hi
side to side swapping wont solve the problem because the wear is from inside out.
Gus

forestacademy · 06-11-2009, 06:12 AM

Hey Baby Benz, How does that help? I thought you needed to swich them inside out on the rims to extend the life.

babybenz · 06-11-2009, 06:17 AM

nope mine were feathering on the inside my tech here swapped them side to side problem was solved continued to wear evenly afterward

Old smart · 06-11-2009, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gusfraga

... Any ideas?
Is this issue cover by the warranty? ...

Yes. The front suspension is made up of a long lower wishbone ("A" arm), and a much shorter link between the McPherson strut and the wheel carrier. When the front suspension loads up (a bump or braking or cornering) the wheels will swing up in an arc, resulting in significant temporary negative camber. The inner edge of the tire will then be bearing more weight and wear than the outer edge. If the suspension was the equal length upper and lower wishbone type, the wheel would travel in a straight vertical line with no change in camber.

Dunno if would be a warranty issue, especially if it is an inherent design characteristic.