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 Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.

The toe-in setting is incorrect.

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

The wheels are out of balance.

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

The operator is using hard driving techniques.

Instruct driver about proper driving techniques.

The vehicle is being overloaded.

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

The tires were not rotated.

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

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Scuffed Tires

Problem

Action

The toe-in setting is incorrect.

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

The operator is using excessive speed on turns.

Instruct operator about proper driver techniques.

The tires are improperly inflated.

Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.

The control arm is bent or twisted.

Replace the control arm. Refer to Upper Control Arm Replacement or Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Cupped Tires

Problem

Action

The front shock absorbers are defective.

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

The ball joints are worn.

Replace the ball joints. Refer to Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement or Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.

The wheel bearings are worn or loose.

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

The wheel and tire are out of balance.

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

The tire or wheel has excessive runout.

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

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Heel and Toe Wear

Problem

Action

The operator uses hard driving techniques such as hard cornering.

Inform the operator of proper driving techniques.

The wheel alignment setting is incorrect (excessive toe).

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

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Tire Edges Wear

Problem

Action

The tires are underinflated.

Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.

The vehicle is being overloaded.

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

The driver uses hard driving techniques such as hard cornering.

Inform the driver about proper driving techniques.

The wheel alignment (toe setting) is incorrect.

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

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear Uneven

Problem

Action

The tire inflation pressure is incorrect.

Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.

The incorrect tire and wheel combination is being used.

Install the correct tire and wheel combination. Refer to Tire and Wheel Specifications in Tires and Wheels.

The wheel alignment settings are incorrect.

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

The following components are loose, worn, or damaged:

    • The steering linkage
    • The steering joints
    • The suspension components such as bushings or ball joints
  1. Inspect the components.
  2. Repair the components as needed.
  3. Replace the components as needed.

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear General

Problem

Action

The tires were not rotated.

Rotate the tires. 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 pressure is incorrect.

Inflate the tires to the correct pressure. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.

The wheel alignment setting is incorrect.

Align the wheels. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement 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 (RWD).

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

The torsion bars are sagging (F4WD).

Adjust the torsion bars. Refer to Torsion Bar 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 Center of Tread

Problem

Action

The tires are overinflated.

Deflate the tire to the recommended pressure. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.

The vehicle is overloaded.

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

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

Advise the operator about proper driving techniques.