Author Topic: Subaru Impreza - Abnormal Tire Wear - Help!!!!! (Read 2029 times)

subaru44imp · « **on:** January 04, 2005, 12:05:48 pm »

Hi, I own a Subaru Impreza RS 2002 which I bought slightly used in December 2002. In November 2004 I went to my dealer because I found that the tread wear on my Bridgestone Potenza's was alarmingly fast especially on the rear tires ( the right rear tire even more than the left ). There was a noticeable difference between the tire wear on the outside of the tire than the inside. My dealer inspected my car and told that the alignment and suspension was fine and that I just needed to change tires ( please note the tire were always rotaed often ). I decided to wait to spring before buying new tires. Anyways, two weeks later I had my winter tires installed ( Bridgestone Potenza's). I knew that this would be the last winter with them. However I noticed in just after one month a signaficant reduction on the treads once again. Same as the others ( back tires worn down ). The rear right tire is almost a "slick" on the outside edge. This is alarming, did my dealer not verify properly? Is there something else which could cause this problem. Before I buy new tires I would like to know what the problem is. What do you suggest? Thank you in advance.

mrthompson · « **Reply #1 on:** January 04, 2005, 12:10:34 pm »

Take it to a wheel alignment shop in your area. A 2nd or 3rd opinion is always a good idea.

bob · « **Reply #2 on:** January 04, 2005, 12:20:48 pm »

Definitely have a reputable alignment shop have a look over the suspension and get a proper 4 wheel alignment done...

brian · « **Reply #3 on:** January 04, 2005, 12:58:22 pm »

Suspension shouldn't be worn in a car this new (unless it's been driven very hard/raced), but have that checked for wear anyway.

Get another shop to check the alignment, as said. They can probably check out the suspension too. If you know of a local car forum, try asking or searching for some shop recommendations. Big chain stores aren't always best, much like dealership shops.

bob · « **Reply #4 on:** January 04, 2005, 01:36:11 pm »

I wouldn't be concerned about suspension wear so much, but more about a bent component etc from a bad pothole hit or the like. Again, a good alignment will also measure set-back etc, and this can help located a previous hit etc...

subaru44imp · « **Reply #5 on:** January 04, 2005, 03:36:43 pm »

Thanks guys! I will try to find a good alignement shop in the Montreal area. One thing I forgot to mention which might be very important. When I bought the car in 2002 I knew it was previously involved in a car accident. The left dry shaft had to be replaced ( including fender) . Once it was repaired I had the car inspected by our provincial inpection agency and everything passed inspection. Like I mentionned previously, I had no problem until this past november. After 2 years, do you think this might have an impact on the tire wear?

bob · « **Reply #6 on:** January 04, 2005, 03:48:20 pm »

Yes, that is a very important component to your situation for sure. Even just driving the streets in Montreal is an issues with all the potholes! LOL!

safristi · « **Reply #7 on:** January 05, 2005, 10:00:22 am »

ericthejet · « **Reply #8 on:** January 05, 2005, 11:21:48 am »

Good advice all around. Is it possible that something that was done during the repair has come loose/out of spec?

subaru44imp · « **Reply #9 on:** January 08, 2005, 09:05:36 am »

Thanks again for your help everyone. I went to an alignement specialist as recommended and they discovered that I had two bent control bars connected to the back tires. I'm very surprised Subaru didn't see that when I brought the car in a couple of months ago. Now I just have to inquire if they are under warranty. The cost ( including labour ) is 720$. And I thought the Christmas gifts expensive. Happy 2005!

ericthejet · « **Reply #10 on:** January 08, 2005, 09:31:06 am »

I would bring the dealers oversight up as soon as possible with them. Try and get them to discount the parts to you. Consider what they overlooked and the safety aspect as well. What kind of a shop is it anyways?

brian · « **Reply #11 on:** January 10, 2005, 12:48:51 am »

Wow, glad you got this figured out. I'm with Ericthejet. Hopefully the dealer can discount this or do *something*. I'm dismayed that they didn't catch this and it took someone else to notice bent, damaged parts!

subaru44imp · « **Reply #12 on:** January 13, 2005, 07:25:38 am »

Monday :The saga continues. I called the service manager at the Subaru dealer and explained that I went to a alignement specialist to have my car checked because the wear on my tires were similar to the wear on my summers. I mentioned that they checked my car a few months ago and found the aligment and suspension was fine. When I told what the alignement specialist discovered ( bent control bars ) the service manager immediately said that it was probably that specialist who bent them because that happens when these shops attempt to align cars. I couldn't believe he had the audacity to say that. Anyways, I told him that they didn't even attempt to align the car because they noticed the problem immediately. I'm supposed to go the dealer on Wednesday morning but I don't expect they them to even flinch. I thinking of sending a complaint letter to Subaru Canada head office, however their website has not address ( nor e-mail address ) or telephone where I could contact them. Anyways, I'm not really sure what my next move is. I know I want to bring my summers tires to show them the similarities, and want them to tell me directly that the uneven (abnormal ) tire wear is normal.
Wednesday: Just came back from Subaru. Bad news, really bad they discovered more damage, the cost can run up tp 1500$. Actually, they verified with Subaru Canada concerning the cars history. This Impreza was considered a total loss in Ontario back in 2002 following and accident, therefore any guarentee is considered void. I was in shock. What gets me is that I was under the impression that cars which are considered a total loss and then "rebuilt" a note appears on the car registration. According to Subaru it's possible the insurance company advised the Ontario government agency however the one located in Quebec never received the information. I guess this is a valuable lesson learned. This being said I told the service manager that I was upset that the obvious damage was not noticed a couple of months ago, in which he replied " I'm sorry" and gave me a handshake. I didn't request to have the car fixed at a reduced cost because of this major oversight, because I still was set back by the info. he gave about the cars history. Anyways, I will call him back today to see what he will tell me. Any suggestions on other course of action I should take? Thanks again.

bj_m · « **Reply #13 on:** January 13, 2005, 11:58:27 am »

sell it asap .. it may be full of bondo (quite likely) , check it with a magnet if you want. But many of these rebuilt cars are in bad shape - welds will start to rust fast and whole body out of alignment .. They are being shipped out of ont. because of the seller report required here by priv. sellers.

front or rear clip may be not even of the same car ..

sometimes - in some cases, if you can buy these rebuilds at really really good price , and you know of the damage before hand and willing to live with it - they are a good deal ..

I bought an almost new 4runner a few years ago for 19k that had been rolled (and partially sumerged) -- i equip'd it for off road use and didnt care that the body had been redone completly ..

it ran perfect for 4 years - heavy off road use (i had frame beefed up, small lift kit, shocks and tires and front tow kit and winch added) ..

i sold it to a dealer for only 2000$ less than i paid for it (after giving it little touch up body and fender and paint work) after 4 years .. I would have not sold it privately .. the body was mostly bondo (was a very good job though - though off roading , it cracked over time which is why i fixed it up) ..

anyway, back to your car -- sell it ..

see here in fact http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/011012.htm