At 35,000 Miles My Toyota Tundra Has Changed 3 Sets of Tires: Common Problem and How To Fix Tundra Tire Wear

Have you ever noticed that your Toyota Tundra's tires wear out unevenly, especially on the outside edges? Many Tundra owners have experienced this frustrating issue, and it's often a topic of discussion in online forums like Tundra Talk. Portmor's recent post, which is quoted below, about his 2022 Tundra Limited is a perfect example.

"I have a 2022 Tundra Limited. I mostly drive on the freeway and in the city. At 35,000 miles, I need a third set of tires. The front tires are fine, but the outside edges of the rear tires are wearing away. I've been to the Toyota dealership a few times for alignment. They said it's normal. The tire guy at Toyota Daly City told me that the first set of tires on all Tundras are just production tires and don't last long. He didn't have an explanation for why the second set of tires was wearing out so quickly. Has anyone else experienced this? What are my options?" This is the situation Portmor described in his recent post on the Tundra Talk forum, where he asked for comments from fellow Tundra truck owners.

Look, if you're experiencing uneven tire wear on your Toyota Tundra, especially on the rear tires, it might be worth visiting a reputable 4-wheel shop that specializes in trucks. These shops often have more experience dealing with alignments and can provide a more accurate assessment than a standard Toyota technician. Remember, there aren't any rear alignment adjustments on a solid axle, so excessive outer wear could be a sign of a bigger problem or simply worn-out tires.

Also, if you're noticing excessive wear on the outside edges of both rear tires, with no feathering and consistent wear on both sides, it's likely a sign of misalignment. Before jumping to conclusions, take pictures of the worn-out tires for reference. If the inside and middle portions of the rear tires show minimal wear, it's highly probable that your wheels are not perpendicular to the ground. This could indicate a problem with the rear axle.

To confirm, you should check if the axle is square and straight by measuring the distance from the front of each rear tire to the rear of each front wheel. These measurements should be identical on both sides of the truck. If not, you might be experiencing "dog tracking." Additionally, use a square to ensure that each wheel is perfectly perpendicular to the ground.

Another Tundra owner, Freddy, has also experienced premature tire wear on his 2007 Tundra. Despite rotating tires regularly, maintaining proper air pressure, and even upgrading to Michelin MS tires, he hasn't been able to get more than 30,000 miles out of a set. Freddy believes that the standard shocks might be contributing to the issue and has found that switching to Bilstein 5100 shocks has helped improve tire life. He's also tried Nitto Crostek 2 tires and has avoided using LT tires due to their added weight. Freddy suspects that road conditions might be a factor but admits he's not entirely sure.

What's causing this premature wear? While it's true that the first set of tires on a new vehicle might not be the highest quality, uneven wear is often a result of factors like:

• Overloading: If you frequently carry heavy loads in your Tundra, it can put extra stress on the tires, especially the rear ones.
• Underinflation: Tires that are underinflated can wear out faster, especially on the outside edges.
• Alignment issues: Even if your Toyota dealership has checked your alignment multiple times, it's possible that there's a slight misalignment that's causing the uneven wear.

How can you fix this problem? Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Check your tire pressure: Ensure that your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, which is usually found on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. Checking your tires regularly can not only lead to longer-lasting tires, it can save you money on gas!
2. Inspect your tires regularly: Look for signs of wear, such as uneven tread wear or bulges. If you notice any issues, have your tires inspected by a professional.
3. Consider a tire rotation: Rotating your tires periodically can help them wear more evenly.
4. Check your alignment: If you're still experiencing uneven wear, it might be worth getting your alignment checked again.

If you're still unsure about the cause of your tire wear, it's a good idea to consult with a professional mechanic. They can inspect your tires and suspension to identify any underlying issues.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Toyota Tundra's tires last longer and provide a safer, more comfortable driving experience.

Please, let me know your thoughts if you have had situations like the about the tire wear and also see this article about a Tundra owner whose extended cranks before start turned into a $1,000 mystery problem and isn't fixed.

• How Long Some Tire Types Really Do Last

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.