Vibration and Tire Cupping(Looking for AHC/Tire Gurus) (1 Viewer)

[Balto1223]

Would you guys think that an out of round tire could cause tire cupping? I have an 06 LX with AHC. All AHC components feel great and the pressures are good. I'd really rather not buy a shock for that thing. probably pretty expensive.

Thanks,

 

[KraziAzn]

Probably bad suspension parts, tire not balanced or need an alignment. if you can't diagnose the problem yourself, I would just take it to a shop.

 

[Mike6158]

Probably bad suspension parts, tire not balanced or need an alignment. if you can't diagnose the problem yourself, I would just take it to a shop.

I'd add bad shocks too but that's a suspension part...

 

[nukegoat]

Get an alignment

 

[trdcorolla]

Get an alignment

This, they will tell you if anything is worn out and needs to be replaced.

 

[Balto1223]

I appreciate the input.

 

[Balto1223]

So, I got an alignment. The technician said all the components were still in good condition, nothing loose. So, now I'm even more confused as to what's causing the vibration/cupping. Anyone have any input? I'm at a loss here.

 

[trdcorolla]

Did you buy the tires or the prior owner? If it was the prior owner, maybe they had a suspension problem that caused the cupping and fixed the problem but didn't replace the tires. Maybe you can find someone here on mud to swap wheels with you for a few minutes to see if the vibration goes away?

 

[Spike555]

Tire being out of balance can cause this, as well as speed up suspension wear.
This is the ONLY time I advocate tire rotations, move that tire to a different corner and see if the vibration moves with the tire.
That will tell you if its suspension or tire related.
Vibration in the steering wheel means it’s in the front, vibration in your butt means it’s in the back, move the tire and see if the vibration follows.

 

[suprarx7nut]

Cupping can happen with less than stellar tires on car that would be fine with higher quality tires. That said, suspension component is normally to blame.

What tires )model, size, rating) are we dealing with and how old are they? What pressure are they normally run at?

 

[Balto1223]

The tires are Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx. I bought them brand new last summer. I've had them road force balanced no telling how many times. Thought I tracked down the problem tire, bought a new tire and replaced it, and the vibration is still there as well as a very noticeable "wob wob wob wob wob" wobbly tire noise.

I can feel and hear the vibration at all speeds and when it's cooler than normal in the morning, it's worse than normal, as in I actually feel like i'm going over little humps at slow speeds then it will eventually calm down a bit with higher speed. I'm at a complete loss.

 

[Spike555]

What tire pressure are you running?
What size? Over sized?

This sounds like a suspension issue to me, but tire pressure could maybe play a role.
I am looking at getting these same tires for my truck, I had the original ST/T on my Discovery as well as many work vans and I love them.

 

[Balto1223]

What tire pressure are you running?
What size? Over sized?

This sounds like a suspension issue to me, but tire pressure could maybe play a role.
I am looking at getting these same tires for my truck, I had the original ST/T on my Discovery as well as many work vans and I love them.

275/65 18. Not sure on the pressure, probably whatever is recommended. I'll have to check.
Also, it has AHC. So, could that be an accumulator problem? Neither of the "shocks" are leaking in the rear, but could that be it as well? I don't understand how the suspension could cause a vibration like this. It really feels like the tires are baaaad out of round, but the tire shops say they're good.

 

[suprarx7nut]

I've known multiple people with Cooper Discovery tires cupping. Some tires/treads are more susceptible to cupping and those keep popping up in threads/friends/acquaintances/parking lot finds.

If no suspension issue comes up, it might just be the tires. Once the cupping starts it's a snowball effect as the uneven tread encourages more uneven tread wear.

 

[trdcorolla]

Does it cost a lot to "shave" tires?

 

[Balto1223]

I've known multiple people with Cooper Discovery tires cupping. Some tires/treads are more susceptible to cupping and those keep popping up in threads/friends/acquaintances/parking lot finds.

If no suspension issue comes up, it might just be the tires. Once the cupping starts it's a snowball effect as the uneven tread encourages more uneven tread wear.

I honestly don't think any of my suspension components are bad. It's a 134k mile 06 LX470. I've taken care of it and flushed the AHC fluid recently.

Do you think an out of round tire, which causes vibration, could cause tire cupping on that tire AND the tire across from it?

If that's the case, which I find believable, then what has happened in my situation is this: The original new tire which is on the rear, is out of round. The vibration from that bad tire causes cupping on itself and the tire across from it. So, now the previously good tire across from the out of round tire is also cupped and causes it's own vibration. The bad tire is replaced with a new tire which will now in turn begin to cup itself because of vibration.

Does this sound feasible??

 

[suprarx7nut]

I don't think one bad tire could cause cupping in another, otherwise good tire, but I'm no expert.

I also think out of round tires would be very hard (perhaps impossible) to balance, but again, that's just my thought experiment. A tire shop guru might be able to add more to the discussion.

Personally, I'd be inclined to just buy all new tires of a variety known for good quality control. The KO2s get my vote, or perhaps the Michelin LTX if you never go off road.

 

[Balto1223]

I don't think one bad tire could cause cupping in another, otherwise good tire, but I'm no expert.

I also think out of round tires would be very hard (perhaps impossible) to balance, but again, that's just my thought experiment. A tire shop guru might be able to add more to the discussion.

Personally, I'd be inclined to just buy all new tires of a variety known for good quality control. The KO2s get my vote, or perhaps the Michelin LTX if you never go off road.

Well, if I had that kind of money, I sure would!

 

[suprarx7nut]

Well, if I had that kind of money, I sure would!

Fair enough. Maybe tire shaving is an option if any nearby shops offer it?

 

[87warrior]

I assume the front tires are cupping. When did you service the wheel bearings last? An alignment tech should have noticed worn out wheel bearings, but its worth a check.

Are your wheels seating flush to the hub? Are you running factory wheels?

What sort of rotation schedule are you on? How many miles on the tires? I do a 5 tire rotation every 5k miles. Currently have 20k on my set of ST Maxx. They are noisy at 30mph, but that is the only issue I have.