If you are standing on the driver's side of the car, looking directly at the front tire, the tread on the very outside edge of the tire is wearing badly. It is only wearing like this on the very OUTSIDE EDGE.

I hope that my attempt to picture what the driver's side tread looks like will be a success, so here goes...Below is a rough sketch of what the TOP of the driver's side tire looks like:

<----- Front of car

(Top edge of tire)

| \...| \...| \<-Chunks missing; this side of tread should be straight up and down like the other side.

By my estimation, the part of the outside tread that is missing is the TRAILING edge of the tread as the tire hits the road. I believe this would be an example of "cupping," but it would be the most serious case of cupping I've ever seen.

I hope my explanation of the problem is clear enough. PLEASE let me know if it isn't clear enough, because I really would like to get an answer about what adjustments to make! THANKS EVERYONE!

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*andy* ([email protected])

also known as...***Boss Hoss***

*1965 Mustang 289 coupe*
*1996 Mustang GT coupe*

[This message has been edited by Boss Hoss (edited 10-30-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Boss Hoss (edited 10-30-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Boss Hoss (edited 10-30-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Boss Hoss (edited 10-30-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Boss Hoss (edited 10-30-2001).]

Cupping is caused by an out of balance wheel, and is compounded by loose wheel bearings. Hope this helps, tighten up the bearings and have the wheels balanced. Good luck,

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*andy* ([email protected])

also known as...***Boss Hoss***

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'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L DOHC

Fastback68:
I admit that I haven't considered the possibility of a defective tire, but it seems to be genuine wear, because it is happening in such a specific area (the outer edge of the tire), and because the places on the tire's edge where rubber hasn't been taken off look excessively cupped.

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*andy* ([email protected])

also known as...***Boss Hoss***

The best advice I can think to give is to take the car and have the alignment checked. It sounds like your alignment is off and there is no qay to check it accuratly without a frontend machine.

I agree with Ronnie T. The alignment machine will give you accurate numbers and if the mechanic is well experienced, he should be able to point out exactly what the problem is.

Regards,

Erik