Tires: Balding Tire, inner tie rods, target value

Question
I have a 1997 Dodge Intepid with 169,000 miles.  The right rear tire is going bald from the edge to the center.  A national tire auto center diagnosed the problem as alignment and front inner tie rods.  3000 miles later I have same problem on a new tire.  Any idea what might be causing this?  (Shocks, struts?)

Answer
Frank,

The solution to your problem is going to be dependent on where the new tire is.

If the new tire is on the right rear, then you have an alignment problem in the right rear.

If the new tire is on the front AND you didn't have the front tie rods replaced (and an alignment), then you need to get that fixed.

But if the new tire is on the front AND you did get the tie rods replaced and an alignment, then it is probably a couple of things:

1)  The vehicle can not hold an alignment.

2)  The vehicle wasn't adjusted into an acceptable range.  Some alignment techs (the ones that should be avoided) feel that if there is no adjustment possible or the possible range isn't enough to bring the alignment into spec, then the alignment process is over.  

While it may be difficult to bring such cars into spec, the alignment tech should either inform the customer that they did the best they could (it might take some additional money to progress further) OR take the steps necessary to bring the car into spec.  BTW, there is no such thing as a car that can not be properly aligned.  It might require slotting holes or installing eccentric bolts and maybe more, but it can be done.

BUT

My experience says that the published alignment tolerances are too wide.  Not the target value, but the allowable deviation from that value.  I think it ought to be half of what is published.

Put another way, the alignment should be within the inner half of the spec.

You should be aware that even vehicles that do not have a pull can be out of alignment.  There are settings where one out of spec condition is offset by another out of spec condition – typically camber vs toe.  

3)  It's possible that the driving route you are taking or your driving style is causing this.    Turns predominantly in one direction will cause only one tire and only one side of the tire to wear.

"Spirited" driving will also cause one sided wear.

I think you have enough info to know what the next step is.  If not, post back with more info.