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2019 Pathfinder Uneven Tire Wear & Pulling - Alignment or Suspension?

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 1:54 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Nissan Pathfinder SV

Hi all,

I'm having some significant tire wear issues on my 2019 Nissan Pathfinder SV. I've noticed that the front tires, especially, are wearing much faster on the inside edge than the outside. It's pretty severe, and I'm only getting about 25,000 miles out of a set of tires.

On top of that, the car seems to pull slightly to the right, even on flat roads. I've had alignments done, but the problem seems to come back quickly. Could this be more than just an alignment issue? Maybe a worn suspension component?

Any thoughts on what might be causing this persistent problem?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 1:54 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Uneven tire wear, particularly on the inside edge, coupled with a persistent pull to one side on your 2019 Nissan Pathfinder SV, strongly suggests an issue beyond a simple alignment. While proper alignment is crucial, these symptoms often point to worn or damaged suspension components that prevent the vehicle from holding an alignment.

Common Causes:

  1. Worn Control Arm Bushings: These rubber components allow for movement in the control arms. If they are worn or cracked, they can cause excessive play, leading to camber or toe issues that result in inner tire wear and pulling.
  2. Worn Ball Joints: Similar to bushings, worn ball joints can introduce play, affecting the wheel's alignment angles (camber and caster) and causing uneven wear and instability.
  3. Bent Suspension Components: Hitting a large pothole or curb can bend a control arm, strut, or steering component, making it impossible to achieve or hold a proper alignment.
  4. Faulty Struts/Shocks: While less directly related to pulling, severely worn struts can affect ride height and suspension geometry, contributing to alignment issues and uneven wear.
  5. Tire Pressure: While you've likely checked this, consistently underinflated tires can also cause excessive inner or outer wear, depending on the specific tire design.

What to Do:

  • Visual Inspection: Look for any obvious signs of damage or wear on control arms, bushings, and struts. Check for fluid leaks from struts.
  • Tire Rotation: While not a fix, regular tire rotation can help even out wear, but it won't solve the underlying problem.

When to See a Shop: Since you're experiencing rapid and uneven tire wear and a persistent pull, it's essential to have your Pathfinder thoroughly inspected by a professional mechanic. They can perform a comprehensive suspension inspection, checking for play in all components, and then conduct a precise alignment. It's crucial to address the root cause of the wear to protect your investment in new tires and ensure safe handling.

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