Uneven Tire Wear and Pulling to the Right on my 2022 Dodge Durango R/T

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:16 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Dodge Durango R/T

Hey fellow Dodge owners,

I've got a 2022 Dodge Durango R/T with about 30,000 miles on it, and I've noticed a couple of concerning issues lately. First, the front tires, especially the passenger side, are showing significantly more wear on the outer edge compared to the inner. Second, the vehicle has started to pull noticeably to the right when I'm driving straight on a flat road.

I haven't hit any major potholes or curbs that I can recall, and the tire pressure is checked regularly. Could this be a simple alignment issue, or is it pointing to something more serious with the suspension or steering? Any advice on what to check or what might be causing this would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Uneven tire wear combined with a vehicle pulling to one side are classic indicators of an alignment problem, often caused by underlying issues in the steering or suspension system. For your 2022 Dodge Durango R/T, here's a breakdown of potential causes:

Common Causes:

  • Wheel Alignment: This is the most direct cause. If the toe, camber, or caster angles are out of specification, it will cause uneven tire wear and the vehicle to pull. Outer edge wear often points to excessive positive camber or toe-out.
  • Worn or Damaged Suspension Components: Even on a relatively new vehicle like your 2022 Durango, components can wear prematurely or be damaged. This includes:
    • Control Arm Bushings: Worn bushings allow too much movement, throwing off alignment.
    • Ball Joints: Play in ball joints can affect camber and toe.
    • Tie Rod Ends: Worn inner or outer tie rod ends can directly impact toe settings and cause wandering or pulling.
    • Damaged Struts/Shocks: A bent strut or a failing strut mount can alter alignment angles.
  • Steering Rack Issues: While less common, internal play in the steering rack can contribute to alignment instability.
  • Tire Issues: Sometimes, a manufacturing defect in a tire or an internal belt separation can cause a pull, even if the alignment is perfect. Swapping front tires side-to-side can sometimes help diagnose this.
  • Brake Drag: A caliper that isn't fully retracting can cause a slight brake drag on one side, leading to a pull, though this usually comes with heat and potentially a burning smell.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Check Tire Pressure: Double-check all tire pressures, including the spare if applicable, to ensure they match the manufacturer's recommendations.
  2. Tire Rotation/Swap: Try rotating your front tires to the rear, or swapping the front left and right tires (if they are not directional). If the pull changes or goes away, it suggests a tire issue.
  3. Visual Inspection: Look for any obvious signs of damage or excessive play in your suspension components (control arms, ball joints, tie rods). Check for torn rubber boots.

When to See a Shop:

It's important to address this issue promptly, as continued uneven tire wear will prematurely destroy your tires, and a pulling vehicle can be a safety concern. You should take your Durango to a professional mechanic or an alignment shop. They will:

  • Perform a thorough inspection of your entire steering and suspension system to identify any worn or damaged components.
  • Recommend replacing any faulty parts before performing an alignment.
  • Perform a precise four-wheel alignment to bring all angles back into specification. This is crucial after any suspension or steering component replacement.

Ignoring this can lead to costly tire replacements and compromise your vehicle's handling and safety.