twinkletoes

iTrader: (17)

Alright, i'm planning on getting two new front tires. I'm planning on getting the same brand too. The problem is my front tires are balding on the outside. Nothing is wrong with the rear tires, they have good tread left. I've searched and it says that its alignment. So, I think i'll just get alignment and new tires. When i get alignment will this be fixed?? Is it just bad alignment? Also, i read that its normal for 1st gens to have sterring wheel play. Will an alignment fix that? I heard thats its supposed to be like that tho. I got like 1" in steering play. It doesn't really matter i guess. Thanks in advance guys. God bless

coldy13

The steering wheel play is usually in the idler arm or the steering box, an alignment won't help that at all. Tires wearing on the outside is either too much toe in or +camber, both should be fixed in an alignment.

twinkletoes

iTrader: (17)

Alright, sweet. I was just wondering if i would need new tie rods, idler arms, etc. from my tires being worn on just the outside. I don't really care about the steering wheel play. Was there steering play when these 1st gens come off the showroom. Was it normal back then?

coldy13

When I had my car aligned they had to torch the tie rods to break them loose and do a camber ream to get the camber to -1deg. There was no play in the steering wheel when they were new, but I don't think I've ever seen one that doesn't have any play.

twinkletoes

iTrader: (17)

I read that there should be some toe in when aligned. My haynes manual says that is should be at blah blah, i look at it.

1badFB

iTrader: (1)

I dunno how prevelant this is, but Ive worn down the outsides of my front tires from underinflation combined with a bit of spirited driving. As soon as I stepped upto a tire with a better sidewall the problem was cured. I blamed it on the cheap tires rolling under the rim under hard cornering. You can really feel the difference when you switch from a cheap tire to a good one.
In most cases it would be a sign of too much toe in or worn out suspension componants as coldy said, but im sure cheap tires and hard driving can cause similar tire wear as well. Ive seen it.

twinkletoes

iTrader: (17)

The tires i have are'nt cheap. I'm good at checking the psi of the tires as well.

1badFB

iTrader: (1)

Ok, just go in for an alignment, as what I experienced was the result of personal error, and incredibly cheap tires.

Just make sure your idler arm bushings are tight (give idler arm a shake), ball joints and tie rods still have life, and that there is still something left of the tension rod bushings. As long as the bases are covered, an alignment should fix you right up.
Good luck.

twinkletoes

iTrader: (17)

Allright, thanks you guys. I might not be getting the alignment untill saturday maybe. I'll let you guys know. God bless

twinkletoes

iTrader: (17)

Ya, i'm probably going to get the alignment this saturday. I want to do it today tho, bummer. Maybe. I'll let you guys know whats up after i get the alignment and new tires up front