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2017 Highlander XLE - Uneven front tire wear and car pulling to the right

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David L. · rep 0 · May 25, 1:26 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Toyota Highlander XLE

Hello fellow Toyota owners,

I'm reaching out about an issue with my 2017 Toyota Highlander XLE. I recently noticed that my front tires are wearing very unevenly, specifically the outer edge of the passenger side tire and the inner edge of the driver's side tire. It's quite noticeable, and I'm worried about premature tire replacement.

On top of that, the car has developed a noticeable pull to the right when I'm driving straight on a flat road. I have to constantly correct the steering wheel to keep it going straight. It's becoming quite tiring on longer drives.

I had the tires rotated about 5,000 miles ago, but the issue seems to have gotten worse since then. Could this be an alignment problem, or is something more serious going on with the suspension? What should I be looking for? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 1:26 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Uneven tire wear combined with a vehicle pulling to one side is a classic indicator of an alignment issue, but it can also point to worn suspension components. Addressing this promptly is crucial to prevent further tire damage and ensure safe driving.

Possible Causes:

  1. Wheel Alignment Issues: This is the most common cause. Misaligned wheels (camber, caster, or toe settings being off) will cause tires to drag or scrub, leading to uneven wear and pulling. The specific wear patterns you describe strongly suggest an alignment problem.
    • Outer edge wear (passenger side): Could indicate excessive positive camber or toe-in.
    • Inner edge wear (driver side): Could indicate excessive negative camber or toe-out.
  2. Worn Suspension Components: Even if the alignment is adjusted, worn parts can prevent it from holding true or cause dynamic changes while driving.
    • Control Arm Bushings: Worn or deteriorated bushings can allow excessive movement of the control arm, affecting alignment and causing the vehicle to wander or pull.
    • Ball Joints: Loose or worn ball joints can introduce play in the suspension, leading to steering instability and uneven tire wear.
    • Tie Rod Ends: Worn inner or outer tie rod ends can affect toe settings and steering response.
    • Struts/Shocks: Worn struts can affect ride height and handling, indirectly impacting alignment.
  3. Tire Issues: Less likely given the pulling, but a severely damaged or defective tire could cause some pulling.

When to See a Shop:

You should schedule an inspection and a four-wheel alignment as soon as possible. A qualified technician will:

  1. Visually inspect all suspension and steering components for wear, damage, or looseness.
  2. Check tire pressure and condition.
  3. Perform a comprehensive four-wheel alignment using specialized equipment.
  4. If worn components are found, they will recommend replacement before performing the alignment, as a proper alignment cannot be achieved or maintained with faulty parts.

Ignoring this issue will lead to premature tire replacement and could compromise your vehicle's handling and safety.

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