Truck Trend Garage: 2007 2WD Nissan Titan Premature Tire Wear
Question: I have a 2007 2WD Nissan Titan, and it wears out tires way too fast. They get smooth on the front tire outside edges first at about 20,000 miles. The dealership has aligned it and said it's within specifications. I also get a brake pulsation while the front pads are still good. Could that be related?
| Tired Tires
Answer: Tire wear on trucks varies due to structure and weight distribution differences between models, while tire wear on the same models differs because of maintenance and driving habits. First and foremost is a thorough inspection of the suspension to eliminate worn, loose, or damaged parts as contributing factors. To get optimum tire life, you must be diligent with maintenance. Check tire pressure and rotate the tires as often as possible.
Aggressive and/or a lot of city driving will also have a significant effect. Premature pulsation from the front brakes due to warped rotors is also a symptom of less than optimal driving conditions.
When the dealership performed the last wheel alignment, you should have received a printout of the before-and-after readings and specifications. Alignment specifications give you a preferred angle and a tolerance. Example: Camber = 0 degrees +/- 1 degree. You may be within tolerances, but getting as close to the preferred setting as possible can make a difference.
The Titan's adjustable front-end alignment angles are camber, caster, and toe. Keep in mind that certain 2007 Titans did not come from the factory with camber and caster adjustments, only toe. But you can install cam bolts on the lower control arms to provide all three adjustments if need be. We're only worried about camber and toe. Caster is not a tire-wearing angle. You have a non-adjustable solid rear axle, and if camber and toe aren't very close to 0 degrees, there may be impact damage
at the axle.
If you have a technical question regarding your pickup, SUV, or van, feel free to contact Alex, a master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Send a letter to him in care of Truck Trend Garage, 831 S. Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245, or e-mail us at trucktrend@sourceinterlink.com. Please include the VIN with your question. Due to the volume of questions received every month, we cannot guarantee that everyone's question will be personally answered or will appear in the magazine.
Can't wait for help with a problem you're having with your Truck or SUV? Ask the expert we trust here at Truck Trend Garage -- visit Alex Steele at www.RealWorldAutomotive.com.
