Unusual Tire Wear

[dchemi]

I have a Magnum RT with just over 6,000 miles on it. I was washing the car and noticed some unusual tire wear on both front tires. On the outside edge of both tires they are uneven to the touch. The best I can describe is they are like hills and valleys. I looked around on the internet and in tech terms they are scalloped or cupped. I looked up on several forums and tire manufactures web sites and found that this is caused by the tire "bouncing".

Now it makes sense. In another forum I posted that when driving down the hihgway if I hit a bump the car seems to bounce around,and the steering wheel jerks violently in my hands.

From the information I have found, this problem points to faulty suspension or a balance problem. I wonder if the freebie locking lug nuts the dealer installed on my car (and I am sure they didn't rebalance the tires after installing them) might be causing this problem.

Has anyone else seen unusual wear like I described on the front tires? :evil:

[MagnumFreak]

I wouldn't think that the locking lug nuts would be the issue. They are too close to the center of the wheel to be the problem. It could be that they came FROM the factory improperly balanced. I have about 4500 miles on my car and the tires look to be wearing even. Take it back to the dealer and have them CHECK the balance.

[bipto]

I wouldn't think that the locking lug nuts would be the issue. They are too close to the center of the wheel to be the problem. It could be that they came FROM the factory improperly balanced. I have about 4500 miles on my car and the tires look to be wearing even. Take it back to the dealer and have them CHECK the balance.
I dunno, MagnumFreak - seems to me if these tires were far enough out of balance to cause feathering or cupping, that would make for one hell of a rough ride at highway speeds... and what are the odds that both front wheels would be that far out of balance?

[Rev.Hammer]

If one tire is causing a problem, it causes a problem for the whole front end. See, if one tire is out of ORDER then the entire front end is out of order. Why? because the incorrect "behavior" of that one tire affects how the entire front suspension behaves. It is a working pair sort of idea. Front ends being out of alignment FROM the factory is fairly common., so are mislocated or thrown wheel weights. Also you may have knocked it out by hitting a pothole or large bump.
Get it checked ASAP. It is causing accelerated front end component wear right now.

[henry]

Scalloped treads usually indicate a toe-in or toe-out problem.

[jeepgrady]

Scalloped treads usually indicate a toe-in or toe-out problem.

I agree. If it was an out of balance condition, you would get a vibration.

[zonian]

Start with the basics....check tire pressure.

"Tread should wear evenly. Inspect each tire for unusual tread wear. A rounded edge on the inside and outside edges of tread could indicate under-inflation."

[Reddog67]

I too have the same problem. Things were fine until I had the rt pull TSB done at 3K miles, and within 700 miles of that, I noticed the feathering began to appear. I took it back to the dealer and they "assured" me that the car was aligned within spec, that this must be a tire pressure issue, therefore my fault. I can tell you I am one of those anal guys who checks his pressure ever 1-2 weeks, so that is NOT the problem unless the factory tire pressure guide on my door jamb is incorrect. I suspect that is unlikely.

I have taken the car to 2 different tire shops that are Continental dealers and both have told me that the wear is due to improper alignment. Since the dealer won't budge, I am contacting the DM in my area. At this rate of wear, i will be going through tires every 10K miles...NOT!

I'll keep you posted, but would like to get as much feedback FROM all of you out there so that I can prove to the DM that this is not an isolated case.

Keep on rollin...

[lilguyhemi]

I noticed yesterday that I am HAVING the same problem. both front tires are feathering. It is not bad enough to see with the naked eye, but running your hand across it, the trailing edge of the tread is wearing faster. I have checked the tire pressure and it is right on. I will not have the opportunity to get it to the dealer before the first of next week, but, I will keep you informed.

[Rev.Hammer]

Hold to your guns, boys.

[henry]

From the "Right Pull TSB" #02-003-04

FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT PREFERRED SETTING ACCEPTABLE RANGE
CAMBER - LEFT -0.1° -0.60° to +0.40°
CAMBER - RIGHT -0.20° -0.70° to +0.30°
Cross-Camber (Maximum side-to-side difference)
0.20° -0.30 to +0.60°
CASTER - LEFT +10.30° +9.00° to +12.10°
CASTER - RIGHT +11.10° +9.00° to +12.10°
Cross-Caster (Maximum side-to-side difference)
-0.80° -1.30 to -0.50°
INDIVIDUAL TOE 0.10° -0.05° to +0.15°
TOTAL TOE** +0.20° 0.00° to +0.40°
Maximum side-to-side difference 0.00° 0.06°


If our cars are pre-set with 0.1 degrees of toe at each wheel for a total of 0.2 degrees, that means the front wheels are angled out by .1 degrees each. This will help the car track in a straight line and give more on-centre feel. However 0.1 degrees is enough to SHOW feathering in the tire tread in about 10,000 km or so (about 6000 miles). Rotate your tires every 5000 miles to avoid this. It will not help tire wear unfortunately.

Henry

[1cobrakid]

I had exactly the same effect, feathering at the outside edge of my front tires but at 4000 miles. I told the dealer and they gave me the standard line "its within spec." I was not happy, but had the tires rotated. I plan to ask another dealer to look at the alignment.

[zonian]

I am currently over 11,000 miles, tires not rotated yet (plan to soon) and I do not notice any unusual wear pattern. I did NOT take it in for the right pull TSB...

Paul

[dchemi]

Well I am glad that I am not the only one with this problem. I won't be able to take my car in until next week. I will let everyone know what the dealer says.

[zonian]

Can we see a photo of exactly what type of abnormal wear you are experiencing? It might be wise to document this anyway...

[dchemi]

I have no idea on how to post a picture. I tried pasting the picture INTO the reply and no luck. How can I attach a picture to my reply to a post?

[dchemi]

I found out how to post a picture. Here is a picture of my drivers side front tire.
Notice right above the "E" how worn the tire is.

http://66.66.201.148/dodgemagnumforum/IMG_0027.JPG

[DavidA]

I just got back form 2 fairy long road trips -- 1400 miles return and 1600 return so with my car at about 6500 miles, I took a look and sure enough, the front left tire is feathering. I'll go to the dealer on Monday and have him re-align it and rotate too. I'm going to try for 2 new tires, but I don't hold out much luck for that one. I'll let you know.

[dchemi]

With the purchase of my Magnum I got a warranty FROM Continental. When I take mine INTO tthe dealer this week to have them CHECK it out, I am going to see if they will honor the warranty.

In section 2 part A of the warranty they have a free replacement policy for 12 months or 2/32 tread wear. But of course they have a whole list of reasons not to cover the tire. I think if you press the issue you can get them replaced. I think it would be the dealers responsibilty to deliver the car to you with the tires properly inflated and aligned.

[DonnaK]

Unfortunately people, we are all in the same boat regarding this issue. They have their fannies covered with their "it's up to specs". I just got my Mag back FROM the service dept. after 11 days in ---THIS TIME for the same right drift/pull and the car is only 3 weeks old (mine). The first time I test drove it, it drifted badly to the right. The salesman told me he's have it fixed when we got back to the showroom. They took it back in and unbeknown to me, just washed it up while I was signing all the purchase papers.

Well,,,,,,, to make a long story short as they say, the salesman lied and the car has been pulling/drifting to the right ever since. Apparantly they think we are all Republicans (going to the right !? LOL). A friend of mine is a mechanic at a Chrysler dealer and went through all of this same crap last year with the 300's. They had to adjust the cradle minutely and then it results in abnormal tire wear, but then it will come up to the specs that the manufacturer says is right. In my opinion, if it drifts/pulls to the right, something is wrong in the actual design. I fell we have a legitimate case for bitching about this, but no one will do anything about it. We take the word of the dealer too often. They told me it is an engineering problem and we have to wait for them to come up with a solution. In the meantime, my car got the cradle adj. and am waiting for MY tires to start the wear problem. Please keep me informed regarding this problem and I will do the same. Am FROM Illinois.
Donna K

[HEMIHEAD]

Sure don't like the sound of this. These cars have an inherent manufacture problem concerning front end design. There isn't any other reason for tires wearing at 6000 miles. The dealers statement about them being in spec is nothing more than BS. We all have something in common here and we have to keep our eyes on this problem. I'm sure no one here wants to be replacing tires every 15000 miles or so. Down the road we all may have to contact DC as a GROUP if they don't stand behind their product. DC is notrious for not wanting to own up to problems that aflict certain vehicles they've produced.
Phil

[DonnaK]

I'm with you, Hemihead, and I'm sure we have to keep an eye on it. You know they will pass the buck on the tire wear to bad tires, etc, but we all know it is because they change the cradle adjustment to keep us quiet and going straight (somewhat anyway). Hence, they change the specs to cover their fannies and tell us the car "is within specs and there is nothing wrong". In other words, if you love the car DEAL WITH IT! Right now, I'm sure that's all we can do. I've posted a complaint at the NTSB, etc. and suggest that everyone with this problem do the same.
Donna

[HEMIHEAD]

Donna, my reason for this is due to a previous vehicle that was a Chrysler product.
It had transmission problems FROM the time I purchased it up until the present. I can not accept the fact that if a company sells the public a new product that has a design flaw
they should only be responsible up until the warranty expires. I swore to myself that I would never let it happen again. Why should we as consumers be expected to be financialy responsible for a product that was defective when purchased? Hopefully you and I will not be alone in this.
Phil

[dchemi]

I took my car in for the scheduled oil change at just over 6,00 miles. I told the dealer that I was seeing some unusual tire wear on my front tires (see my previous post with picture). They checked it out and agreed there was a problem. They pulled up the TSB about the right pull and suggested I have the fix done. I was reluctant about HAVING it done. They told me the car would not be able to be aligned correctly unless I had it done.

I scheduled it for Thursday 11-04. They are going to apply the TSB and then CHECK the alignment.

I asked them about the Continental replacement policy. They stated that they didn't think they were an Authorized Continental dealer, but would look INTO it for me. So far the delaer has been very good about fixing the problem for me. I will keep everyone posted after the car goes in for service on Thursday.

[DavidA]

Well, I took mine in today for the feathering. They did an alignment, balance and rotation all supposedly under warranty.

I haven't driven it far enough to tell if the pull is fixed, and it'll take another 6000 miles before I know if the fronts feather again, but I am still going to try for 2 new tires. There is no way they should have feathered in 6000 miles. They were making more noice on the front, I'll see if they are howling now that they are on the rear.

I'll let you knwo how I make out on the new tires, etc. :x

[BrilliantBlackHemi]

One "fix" maybe to make a few burnouts, then rotate tires and burnout again, shaving off a llittle tire to get to the good part. Kinda like turning rotors? :lol:

[magnuman]

dchemi and all,
After reading this thread on unusual tire wear, I immediately went out and checked the fronts on my RT with 2200 miles on it. Sure enough they were starting to "feather" on the outer edges. Off I went to my local, trustworthy, knowledgeable front end shop (not the dealer) for an alignment check. I also printed Henry's post with the TSB specs. and took them along. Caster on front right was at the maximum tolerance, but OK. Toe in on each side exceeded tolerances by 0.16 degrees for a total of 0.72 degrees. This is what causes the feathering. All other settings were within range. Had the tires rotated, toe in adjusted, and increased tire pressure to 34 PSI, which is what they recommended. I was on my way in about an hour with some peace of mind. They also showed me how much the alignment settings change when you put the driver and/or passengers in the car. If you're a heavy weight like me, sitting in the driver's seat will take all settings out of tolerance. He said BMW is the only mfg. that recommends front end alignment with 150 lbs. in each front seat. I guess the bottom line is, if we're really concerned with perfect alignment we should have it done with us sitting in the driver's seat---or the way the car is "normally" configured when driving. Personally, I had never given "loading" any thought with regard to alignment. Anyway, some good info.
Thanks to dchemi and others that brought this to everyones' attention. I am sure this will save lots of tires FROM premature wear.

[DonnaK]

Why is it that we should have to go to a front end shop to have this car aligned properly when it is a Chrysler defect? I am more than willing to go and have suggested it to my dealer when they couldn't come up with the fix. Will Chrysler/Dodge dealer pay for my trip to the alignment shop? It is one of the best in Chicago. What's the opinion?

Donna

[dchemi]

I left my car at the dealer today so they could CHECK out the problem with the front tire wear. They said the front end was way out of alignment. They did not perform the TSB about the right pull.

I am not in any way a mechanic, so I have no idea what the info on the alignment sheets mean. The info is as follows:

BEFORE:
Front Cross Camber 0.16
Front Total Toe 0.53
Rear Cross Camber 0.20
Rear Total Toe 0.03
Rear Thrus Angle -0.01

AFTER:
Front Cross Camber 0.17
Front Total Toe 0.19
Rear Cross Camber 0.19
Rear Total Toe 0.01
Rear Thrust Angle 0.02

The dealer did the alignment at no charge and they olso ordered me 2 new tires that should be in next week (also at no charge)

As soon as I left the dealer lot, I of course let go of the steering whelel to see what would happen. The car drifted very hard to the right. I am not sure if that is because of what they did to fix the alignment problem. Most likely the tires are worn to the old alignment specs. I will wait until I have the new tires installed to see of the right pull is now a problem.

[DonnaK]

Did they do the cradle adjustment on your car? That is what they did to all of the Chrysler 300's last year when the same problem occured on them. The problem is that the Magnum is a new body style put on the old 300 frame, etc without the engineering and design fix. As long as the cars are not adjusted properly to go straignt as all other cars do, there is going to be tire wear going on. Obviously, if the car goes to the right, something is wrong. I am watching my tires to see wear as they "fixed" my car last week with the cradle adjustment and it still drifts/pulls to the right. They said they won't try to fix it anymore --as far as the district manager is concerned-it is fixed (if you keep both hands on the wheel). I'll bet I can keep a car straight with both hands on the wheel even if the right front tire is flat. Who do they think we are? Stupid?

Donna

[AndyK]

DonnaK: The 2005 Magnum and 300 are on a new platform (LX). It is not based on last year's 300M (LH) body/architecture.

[DonnaK]

My mistake Andy, but they still have the same front end problems.
The cradle adjustments had to be made on the 300's as they are trying to do on the Magnums.

Donna :oops:

[henry]

Let's put this right pull issue INTO perspective.

My car has a mild right pull. I'm not willing to change the alignment and increase tire wear at the expense of HAVING it track in a perfectly straight line. The problem isn't bad and at highway speeds it's quite well behaved. At lower speeds it does seem amplified somewhat but it's hard to sift that right pull out of the other characteristic: crown sensitivity (the tendency of the car to follow the slope of the road). Crown sensitivity is fairly normal so I'm not concerned. The only way I'd interfere is if the car spontaneously changed lanes.

My solution? Keep my hands on the wheel at all times.

Incidentally I test drove a friend's 2003 Mercedes E Class. Guess what? It has a right pull too.

Henry

[dchemi]

No they did not do the cradle adjustment.

[mysrt8]

3,000 miles on my Magnum and my front tires are feathering also. I had noticed it prior to reading this thread. My belief is that because of the lower A-arms being a 2 piece design, the front wheels will come in and out of toe easily. Try this: Back your car up for about 10 feet or so. Leave the steering wheel straight and get out and look at the front wheels. They should look toed in. Now drive your car ahead for about the same distance and look again--they seem to straighten out a bit. I think the lower A-arm should be a one piece design like the AWD models are. It makes for a more rigid set-up and less prone to disturbing the toe.
Just my 2 cents.

[magnuman]

My alignment guy told me that you'll get some feathering even with correct alignment if you do a lot of city driving and right and left turns at slower speeds. I'll CHECK it after a while now that I know my alignment is correct. Most of my driving is in town. I also noticed a little harsher, noisier ride since the alignment guy increased the tire pressure to 34 PSI. Hopefully the mileage will also improve a little, too.

[HEMIHEAD]

I was looking through my manual and under the listing for tires and wheels
there was a picture of unusual tread wear. There was one for feathering. It stated
"excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the tread edges and a feathered effect
across the tread". Set toe to specs.
I wanted to include the page FROM the manual but couldn't figure out how to do it.
This just tells me that due to an inherent problem with the frt. end of these cars, changing
the specs on the alignment has only caused another problem. I have no idea as to how this issue can be resolved concerning premature tire wear with DC. The story of the dealer telling someone that their car was set to specs and that's the end of it is BS.

[1cobrakid]

Actually the sharp turning thing would probably apply to me. My garage is a side LOAD with a short turning radius. I had noticed that the tires take pretty crazy angles at full lock. That and the surface of the driveway is pretty abrasive. My wife's Jeeps have suffered similar problems but I assumed that was solid axle compromises.

[HEMIHEAD]

This problem has nothing to do with under inflation, over inflation, balance, etc. etc.
It's an alignment issue plain and simple. How else can anyone logically EXPLAIN why a brand new vehicle would have premature tire wear?

[HEMIHEAD]

1900 miles and mine is starting to wear uneven. Really sucks!

[dchemi]

Finally after 3 weeks the dealer called me and let me know that my new tires had arrived. I brought my car in and they replaced both front tires under warranty.

While I was waiting for my tires to come in, I stopped at several local tire dealers to inquire about replacement tires for my Magnum. NO ONE has tires in stock that match the OEM size. Everyone told me it would be at least 3 - 5 days before they could get a tire in the size I needed (and what a surprise, only Continental offers one) That really stinks! I think it really sucks that Dodge is using such a unique tire size for the Magnum, that we as consumers have no choice but to REPLACE the OEM tires with the Continental CH95, which in my opinion suck.

Hopefully enough sales of the 300c and the Magnum will prompt other tire manufactures to make a tire in the OEM size.

[schmeky]

My RT has a little over 16,000 miles now, had the TSB/Cradle shift at about 8,000 miles. I have rotated the tires per the service manual. My front tires are now wearing on the outsides edges very badly.

[henry]

While I was waiting for my tires to come in, I stopped at several local tire dealers to inquire about replacement tires for my Magnum. NO ONE has tires in stock that match the OEM size. Everyone told me it would be at least 3 - 5 days before they could get a tire in the size I needed (and what a surprise, only Continental offers one) That really stinks! I think it really sucks that Dodge is using such a unique tire size for the Magnum, that we as consumers have no choice but to REPLACE the OEM tires with the Continental CH95, which in my opinion suck.
.

The new Ford Freestyle has the same size tire. 225-60-18
They use Pirelli P6 tires in that size. Tire-rack carries them (and hey they're quite a bit cheaper!), but even though the LOAD rating is the same they are not H speed rated (up to 128 mph). They are T-speed rated (to 118 mph). They might be a worthwhile alternative to the Contis.

Also, the Euro Spec LX cars (300C and 300 Touring AKA Magnum BUX) all come with Pirelli P7 tires in size 220-60-18. I checked and they do not seem to be available in North America on the retail market. Perhaps some savvy tire shop owner could get his hands on some. They (the P7s) are a higher performance tire than the Continenals.

Henry

[Michael Degn]

Is there any way we can band together to get some type of resolution with the factory? Do we have any lawyers in the forum that might be able to advise us on what steps we might be able to take.

[PropMan]

I dumped the OEM POS Continentals early in the game for a set of BFG KDWS.

They are as GOOD as the Contis were BAD!

http://www.dodgemagnum.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2502&postdays=0&postorder=asc&star t=0

[schmeky]

Micheal Degn,

I think you have a good idea. I have a friend that is a dis-barred attorney, but could proof-read a letter. I'm willing to initiate a DRAFT letter for board member peer review and comment.

[Michael Degn]

That sounds great. I'm concerned that when the right hand drift problem is fixed it will be at the cost of wearing out tires. At that point the finger pointing starts between the tire manufacture and Chrysler, of is it a tire problem or an alignment issue. Who then covers the cost of replacement tires.

[1cobrakid]

I had my tires rotated at about 4K miles. Now at about 7500 the fronts are beginning to feather and the rears don't seem to be any better than they were when I rotated them to the back. In fact they may be worse. I had the alignment adjusted and it steers better so I don't really want the alignment changed again. I can hear a slight hum on smooth pavement and feel a slight hum in the steering wheel. Next rotation I will ask to have all of the tires rotating the other direction. They seem to be feathering faster than they will smooth out after rotation.

[schmeky]

Micheal Degn,

I agree 100%.

Friend of mine had this same issue on a Dakota P/U truck about 3 years ago. Dealer said tire wear was due to his "driving style". He drove a GMC 1500 company truck 3-4 hours a day and tires on this truck wore properly to 60,000 miles.

[dchemi]

I was at my parents today for Thanksgiving. I mentioned to my Brother In Law that the dealer replaced my tires. He was outside HAVING a smoke, and admiring the Magnum and he noticed some damage to the rim. He came back inside and told me the rim was damaged. We went outside to CHECK it out.

I had my front tires replaced recently and the dealer had to rebalance them. It looks like where they removed the old weight, the rim was damaged. It seems to me that for alloy rims there is a different kind of weight. The one the dealer placed on the rim looks like it crimps onto the lip of the rim. When they removed the old one, the finish was damaged. It almost look like a paint chip down to the primer. I thought alloy rims used a type of tire weight that was different FROM the ones used on steel rims. I am a former Garnd Prix GTP owner that had alloy rims and it seems to me that the weights were wedged inbetween the rim and the tire and not crimped onto the rim itself. I plan on taking it back to the dealer on Saturday. I would like to know if I am justified in accusing them of damaging the rim. :evil:

dchemi
Any insight on tire weights would be appreciated. I don't want to go to the dealer accusing them of damaging my rims if I am wrong.

[moparman53]

The first time I drove my RT I thought it pulled to the right. I came back on the same road and had to steer to the right. THen I realized the wind was blowing FROM the north ans I had started off driving east, so it all made sense. Most of the times it will go straight if I take my hands off the wheel, but on some roads it does go right, never left. I attribitted it to the road, but now I'm not so sure.

From reading the posts, if I get the front end alligned, then the uneven tire wear will occur. I hardly notice it now, so I think I'll leave it alone for now.

[C4me]

There IS a pull issue on some cars. If yours is one, there would be doubt in your mind.

Having said that, these LX's are crown sensitive as well as tire pressure sensitive. So, if you don't have even pressures all around AND you are on a crowned roadway, it may feel as though there is a pull. It is NOT as severe as the "true" pull. Please CHECK the pressures and drive on a more level road before you go HAVING the dealer "FIX" your car. There is a chance that a well meaning dealer may cause more of a problem than you really have.

[moparman53]

There IS a pull issue on some cars. If yours is one, there would be doubt in your mind.

Having said that, these LX's are crown sensitive as well as tire pressure sensitive. So, if you don't have even pressures all around AND you are on a crowned roadway, it may feel as though there is a pull. It is NOT as severe as the "true" pull. Please CHECK the pressures and drive on a more level road before you go HAVING the dealer "FIX" your car. There is a chance that a well meaning dealer may cause more of a problem than you really have.

Thanks, I've been so busy lately, that I have neglected to CHECK the air pressure. I guess I assumed the dealer would have done it. We all know how well dealers prep cars, right. :) There's several newly paved roads around to test it on too.

[dchemi]

My dealer replaced my front tires in August 2004. They adjusted the alignment after the tire replacement.

Here I am in January 2005 and I am starting to see the same tire wear problem. When I took my car in for the Radiator Isolater Bracket recall I mentioned that the tires are waring again. This time they are trying to tell me that the wear pattern I am seeing is normal. What a bunch of crap. My new tires have only 3,000 miles on them and they are cupping again.

Anyone else still HAVING the front tires wear out?

[g3gtsboy]

Ok everyone. I am a 05 RT owner with the same problem... been to the dealership so many times and have settled with a less than perfect car. Here's what we need to do. Everyone with the issue who is willing to go through the ordeal should post here and we all need to file complaints with the NTSB. I already ordered my lemon law paperwork and have received it to file a complaint. We need to discover how many magnum owners suffer and everyone who is affected needs to file a complaint. It's obvious the dealers cannot resolve it and corporate is ignoring us. If enough of us file a complaint they will do an investigation and we might get a recall or a real fix. How about a properly engineered part to fix the problem instead of a bolt that wears our tires out.

[g3gtsboy]

Post your complaints here and if you are members of other Magnum boards with frustrated users have them go here and fill out a complaint. This is the only way we might get satisfaction.

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

[g3gtsboy]

VOQ Confirmation

Your Complaint Information is successfully submitted.
Your Confirmation number (ODI Number) is: 10108107

[dchemi]

g3gtsboy, thanks for the link.

I agree that we all laid out some serious bucks for the RT and anything but perfection is unacceptable.

I will be in for an oil change in another 2,000 miles. I will again complain that my front tires are not wearing normally. (this will be my 4th documented complaint at a dealership) If they give me the "It's normal wear" crap again I will be filling out the complaint for you provided the link for.

I encourage anyone that has this problem to bring it to the dealers attention as well as posting in this forum. If the dealer can not fix the issue then file a complaint with the NTSB. It may be the only way that we can get this problem corrected.

My question is are only RT owners with early build dates seeing this problem? My RT was built in April 2004. If we can surmise that only early build cars have this problem, then we have proof that Chrysler saw a problem and fixed it in later builds of the car.

Us Magnum brothers need rto stick together. If the problem only shows up every 6,000 miles or so, they can REPLACE the tires until warranty expires, then we are screwed.

I hate the Continental tires, but I am not about to shell out some bucks on a real tire, if this car is only going to chew them up.

[schmeky]

I wanted to take a moment to emphasis that many dealers do not have the latest high-tech cutting edge lazer alignment systems that specialty alignment shops have. My dealer sent me to a local alignment shop that the had the DC TSB on file and some impressive equipment.

Let me say my RT pulled pretty hard to the right. I watched the tech work on my car and there is a lot of work getting the TSB done properly. My car was on the rack being worked on for over an hour. The cradle shift alone is a very involved process.

The tech that fixed my car said he has done a bunch of LX's, and there were a few that the TSB did not fix to the owners satisfaction. I was lucky. All I'm saying is be as certain as you can the TSB is done as DC intended.

[Inferno Magnum]

Just came across this thread.
I noticed an outside wear pattern on all four tires at 11,500 miles. The dealership rotated tires earlier, so I imagine that the fronts were wearing then and I hadn’t noticed. The car has been in since last Wednesday for the recall notices, regular scheduled maintenance, steering vibration (when turning), and the tire wear issue. Have yet to see what the outcome will be.

[dchemi]

I had my front tires replaced yet again by the dealer on May 11th. Now 11 days later and around 600 miles, the tires are starting to wear out again.

I have been dealing with this problem for almost a year now. Right now to the untrained eye if you simply look at the tires there is no noticible wear, unless you know exactly what to look for. My test is this. Take your fingers and along the outside edge and run them against the direction of rotation, the tires are already uneven and showing some wear. Do the same test on the rear tires and they are totally smooth.

I will be taking the car to the dealer Monday and let them feel the tires. 600 miles and there is already some wear!!!!

I am tired of hearing the dealer tell me that the problem is the tire and not the car. Chrysler commissioned Continental to make a tire for the HEMI LX platforms. I assume that their respective engineers shared notes and created a tire that would be suitable for the vehicle that was going to be produced. Even if it turns out that the tire is to blame, I believe that Chrysler is still at fault, Continental made a tire to meet the specifications of the vehicle maker.

There is a problem here.

Anyone that is having this problem needs to take their car to the dealer and complain about it. Make sure you get paperwork to document your concerns. Also everyone should call Chrysler and get a reference number for this issue.

The only way this is ever going to get fixed is if enough consumers report this problem and make a big deal out of it. This should not be an issue with any vehicle, let alone one that we shelled out some serious bucks for.

[kudasai]

some of us are getting shut down, and people like me are just taking the easiest route to make a statement.

i will never buy another DC product, and immediately after learning that the dealer and dc would not fix the car, i went to fireston, go the lifetime alignment, new tires, and ate the 700 bucks so i could start to really enjoy my car. but i will not, WILL NOT let dc see another dime of my money for services, or any more maint parts than i absolutly have to.

when it is time to buy the next car, if i do decide on going with an srt8 lx, it will be a used one.

fool me once, shame on you. fool me twice, shame on me

[dchemi]

Today I called Chrysler and the dealer and let them know my new front Continental's were already starting to wear out on the outside edges. I have only driven just over 600 miles on them.

Chrysler is so convinced that the tire is the problem and not the car that they are ordering me 4 new Pirelli P6 Four Season Tires, to replace the brand new Continental CH95 tires that were put on the car 2 weeks ago.

I guess a few weeks will tell if it really is the tire or not.

[dchemi]

some of us are getting shut down, and people like me are just taking the easiest route to make a statement.

i will never buy another DC product, and immediately after learning that the dealer and dc would not fix the car, i went to fireston, go the lifetime alignment, new tires, and ate the 700 bucks so i could start to really enjoy my car. but i will not, WILL NOT let dc see another dime of my money for services, or any more maint parts than i absolutly have to.

when it is time to buy the next car, if i do decide on going with an srt8 lx, it will be a used one.

fool me once, shame on you. fool me twice, shame on me

Do you really think Chrysler cares if a few pissed off people don't purchase another product from them? The only way Chrysler will care is if they get bad press, or enough unhappy customers to do a recall.

I really would like to know if your new tires and alignment corrected the problem.

[kudasai]

yes it did correct the problem. i've driven two trips, one about 550 round trip, and one 900 round trip since i had them put on and aligned. not a spot of trouble, not a bit of wear.