Question110 days and 5000 miles ago I had the front struts replaced and the wheels aligned due to a skweaking noise. The noise reappeared 2 weeks ago. I took it back in and they said the strut broke a seal which they will replace, however the new tires that were put on at the same time are now worn on the inside plus they are now saying that the ball joint is bad as well as the front axel. My question is. Could the failure of the front strut created the addtional problems and worn tires. These were not present issues 110 days ago and the car has had just normal use in the past 110 days, no accidents as they,ve suggested.
Please advise.
Thanks.
AnswerPeter,
A bad front strut can cause premature tire wear, but since it has only been 2 weeks since you have been hearing the noise, it is doubtful that that is the cause of the tire wear. A loose ball joint can also cause tire wear, but they should have noticed it 5000 miles ago. Again it is doubtful that that ball joint suddenly went bad. They tend to slowly wear out, getting more play within time.
A bad axle will not cause a tire wear problem. It is possible that that went bad within 5000 miles. If the boot ripped open, and all the greese leaked out, then they usually go fast.
If I were you I would check your records or ask them for a printout of the alignment that you received 5000 miles ago. They should have a record of the specs Before and After they performed the algnment. (Check the date on the printout to make sure it is your car!) If all the specs were within, then you have no arguement. If not, then they did not do the alignment correctly, or you hit some big potholes within those 5000 miles.
One bad thing about alignments is that you never really know if they are done right until it is too late. I would question the shops reputation, and possibly take it to a shop you trusted to do the alignment over.
Good luck and thanks for the question,
Gene
