Tire Cupping

TheStick · Mar 25, 2015

I am starting to see some cupping on my front driver side tire and curious what might be causing it. Shocks only have about 22k miles on them, so they should be good. I have 40k on the Jeep so thinking I might be due for ball joints.

The Jeep rides fine, not noticing much of a change there. Any ideas on the most likely culprit?

Canvas JK · Mar 25, 2015

TheStick said:
I am starting to see some cupping on my front driver side tire and curious what might be causing it. Shocks only have about 22k miles on them, so they should be good. I have 40k on the Jeep so thinking I might be due for ball joints.

The Jeep rides fine, not noticing much of a change there. Any ideas on the most likely culprit?

Is it on the outside of the tire only? If it is just on the outside then I would change your ball joints and if you have not already done so install the inner gussets.

I would also check you tire pressure.

wayoflife · Mar 25, 2015

Definitely sounds like you have something that is allowing for too much movement. Ball joints or unit bearings are likely your culprit.

ArmyofMike · Mar 25, 2015

When's the last time your rotated tires? Doing so every 3k miles will help. Although there must be a problem on that side if only that tire is cupping.

TheStick · Mar 25, 2015

I'm late on tire rotation, been almost 10k :/

The cupping is more in the middle than the outside.

I was planning on doing ball joints while I add gussets here soon anyways, so hopefully that will be it.

Rotating tires this weekend!

TheStick · Mar 25, 2015

wayoflife said:
Definitely sounds like you have something that is allowing for too much movement. Ball joints or unit bearings are likely your culprit.

How much work is changing out the unit bearings?

ArmyofMike · Mar 25, 2015

TheStick said:
How much work is changing out the unit bearings?

good
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA2mSwIG6bA
Best
http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?19332-Jeep-JK-Wrangler-Unit-Bearing-Replacement-Write-Up

Also, you can check the Unit bearings by lifting the front axle, leaving the wheels free hanging. Once you have it jacked up, push the tires inward and see how much if any play there is. I recall only a little bit of play can signal bad bearings.

Canvas JK · Mar 25, 2015

TheStick said:
I'm late on tire rotation, been almost 10k :/

The cupping is more in the middle than the outside.

I was planning on doing ball joints while I add gussets here soon anyways, so hopefully that will be it.

Rotating tires this weekend!

I would check your tire pressure. running a high tire pressure will cause cupping. I am running about 28 PSI in the Trail Grapplers and they are doing great.

TheStick · Mar 25, 2015

Canvas JK said:
I would check your tire pressure. running a high tire pressure will cause cupping. I am running about 28 PSI in the Trail Grapplers and they are doing great.

I'm at 28lbs as well. I will check things out more when I rotate this weekend.

Thanks everyone for the help!

jeeeep · Mar 25, 2015

is it wearing in the center or on the outer edges of the center? any pics?

TheStick · Mar 25, 2015

jeeeep said:
is it wearing in the center or on the outer edges of the center? any pics?

It's wearing on the inside. If I get home before dark I'll snap some pics.

Tire Cupping

TheStick

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Canvas JK

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wayoflife

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ArmyofMike

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TheStick

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ArmyofMike

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jeeeep

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