GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Excessive or Uneven

Problem

Action

The tires are underinflated or overinflated.

Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. Refer to Tire Inflation Description in Tires and Wheels.

The toe-in setting is incorrect.

Adjust the toe-in setting. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

The wheel and tire are out of balance.

Balance the wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Balancing in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.

The vehicle operator has used hard driving techniques.

Instruct the operator about proper driving techniques.

The vehicle has been, or is overloaded.

Do not exceed the maximum recommended payload rating. Refer to Vehicle Certification Label in General Information.

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Cupped Tires

Problem

Action

The front shock absorbers are worn.

Replace the shock absorbers. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Front Suspension.

The ball joints are worn.

Replace the ball joints.

    • For the upper ball joint, refer to Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
    • For the lower ball joint, refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.

The wheel bearings are incorrectly adjusted or worn.

  1. Adjust the wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing Adjustment in Front Suspension.
  2. Replace the wheel bearings as needed. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement in Front Suspension.

The wheel and tire is out of balance.

Balance the wheel and tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Balancing in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.

The tire and wheel has excessive runout.

Check and compensate for runout. Refer to Tire and Wheel Vibration in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear General

Problem

Action

The tires were not rotated.

Refer to Tire Rotation in Tires and Wheels.

The shock absorbers are damaged.

Replace the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Front Suspension.

The tire inflation pressure is incorrect.

Refer to Tire Inflation Description in Tires and Wheels.

The wheel alignment settings are incorrect.

Align the wheels. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

The vehicle is overloaded or improperly loaded.

Avoid overloading the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Certification Label in General Information.

The springs are broken or sagging.

Replace the springs.

    • For independent suspension, refer to Front Coil Springs Replacement in Front Suspension.
    • For I-Beam suspension, refer to Leaf Springs Replacement in Front Suspension.

The stabilizer bushings are loose or worn.

  1. Tighten the stabilizer bushing brackets. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications In Front Suspension.
  2. Replace the stabilizer bushings as needed. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Scuffed Tires

Problem

Action

The toe-in setting is incorrect.

Adjust the toe-in setting. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

The operator uses excessive speed on turns.

Instruct the operator about proper driving techniques.

The tires are improperly inflated.

Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. Refer to Tire Inflation Description in Tires and Wheels.

The suspension arm is bent or twisted.

Replace the suspension arm.