GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Center of Tread

Problem

Action

The tires are overinflated.

Deflate the tire to the recommended pressure. Refer to Tire Inflation Description in Tires and Wheels.

The vehicle is overloaded.

Refer to Vehicle Certification Label in General Information.

The operator is using hard driving techniques such as rapid acceleration or excessive braking.

Inform the operator about proper driving techniques.

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear General

Checks

Action

Failure to rotate the tires

Refer to Tire Rotation in Tires and Wheels.

Damaged shock absorbers

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

Improper tire pressure

Refer to Tire Inflation Description in Tires and Wheels.

Incorrect wheel alignment

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

Overloaded or improperly loaded vehicle

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

Broken or sagging springs

Replace the springs. Refer to Front Coil Springs Replacement in Front Suspension.

Loose or worn stabilizer bushings

Tighten the stabilizer bushing brackets or replace the stabilizer bushings. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Excessive or Uneven

Checks

Action

Underinflated or overinflated tires

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

Improper toe-in

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

Out-of-balance wheels

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

Hard driving

Instruct driver about proper driving techniques.

Overloading the vehicle

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

Tires not rotated

Follow the rotation schedule and pattern. Refer to Tire Rotation in Tires and Wheels.

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Tire Edges Wear

Checks

Action

Underinflated tires

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

Overloaded vehicle

Refer to Vehicle Certification Label in General Information.

Hard cornering

Inform the driver about proper driving techniques.

Incorrect toe setting

Set to the correct specifications. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Uneven

Checks

Action

Improper tire pressure

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

Incorrect tire and wheel usage

Install the correct tire and wheel combination.

Incorrect front end alignment

Align the front end. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

Loose, worn, or damaged steering linkage, joints, or suspension components, bushings, or ball joints

Inspect, repair, or replace the components as required.

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Scuffed Tires

Checks

Action

Incorrect toe-in

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

Excessive speed on turns

Instruct operator about proper driver techniques.

Improper inflation of the tires

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

Bent or twisted suspension arm

Replace the suspension arm.

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Cupped Tires

Checks

Action

Faulty front shock absorbers

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

Worn ball joints

Replace the ball joints.

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

Worn or loose hub and wheel bearing

Replace the hub and wheel bearing assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement in Front Suspension.

Out-of-balance wheel and tire

Balance the wheel and tire. Refer to Balancing Tires and Wheels in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.

Excessive tire or wheel runout

Compensate for the excessive runout. Refer to Wheel Runout Measurement in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Heel and Toe Wear

Checks

Action

Hard cornering

Inform the operator of proper driving techniques.

Incorrect alignment (excessive toe)

Set to the correct specifications. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.