Tires: Tire noise and broken tire belts, inflation pressure, noise increases

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I have a 2003 Ford Escape with 77,000 miles. When the vehicle is moving over 25 MPH there is a very loud noise that sounds like it is coming from the tires.  The noise increases with speed, and decreases with speed.  The tires have 21000 miles and have been rotated every 5000 miles.
My mechanic, told me the bearings are ok.  My tire dealer told me the belts on the tires are broken and the tires need to be replaced.
Not sure who to belive or how to resolve.
Appreciate any help you can offer.

ANSWER: Ted,

It's probably not the tire's belts.  Broken belts are extremely, extremely rare and they basically don't make much noise.

What you might be hearing is irregular wear from the tires and that sometimes sounds a lot like bearing noise - and a lot of folks think this is the result of broken belts (Wrong!!).  

Irregular wear is caused by misalignment and aggravated by low inflation pressure and insufficient rotation practices.

So I would check the alignment on the vehicle.  Be aware that the vehicle manufacturer's alignment tolerances are way too wide.  My experience is that the alignment has to be within the inner half of the spec, otherwise you'll get alignment wear type issues (irregular wear being one of them.) Have the alignment tech give you a before and after print out, so you can see what it was and how well he fixed it.  A good alignment tech will volunteer to do that, and a poor one will argue that you don't need one.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the information very helpful.
It is interesting the tire supplier who is stating the belts are broken is also the vender that did the last alignment.  The tires look good, have decent treads left and do not appear to have any cupping....

Looks like I need a "hard" conversation with the tire dealer...


Answer
Ted,

I would find a different place to do the alignment.  You've already had a conversation with the tire dealer and got an opinion that I am sure he will not change just because you discuss it with him.

BTW, tire wear that produces a bearing type noise is very difficult to see, but you might be able to sense it if you rub your hand over the tread face.  You're looking for a kind of rippling that  progresses from tread element to tread element.