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Car Pulling Right & Uneven Tire Wear on 2019 S90 T6

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Ashley M. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:13 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Volvo S90 T6 Inscription

Hi forum,

I've been noticing a couple of issues with my 2019 Volvo S90 T6 Inscription lately. First, the car seems to be consistently pulling to the right, requiring me to constantly correct the steering wheel to keep it straight. It's not a violent pull, but it's definitely noticeable and annoying on longer drives.

Secondly, I recently had my tires rotated and the technician pointed out that my front right tire was significantly more worn on the outer edge compared to the other tires. This uneven wear seems to confirm something is off.

My S90 has about 55,000 miles on it. Could these two problems be related to an alignment issue, or is there something more serious going on with the suspension? What should I ask my mechanic to check specifically?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:13 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Your description of the car pulling to one side and experiencing uneven tire wear strongly suggests an alignment issue or a worn suspension component. These two symptoms are very often linked. Here's a breakdown:

  1. Causes of Car Pulling and Uneven Tire Wear:

    • Wheel Alignment: This is the most common cause. If your wheels are not properly aligned (caster, camber, or toe angles are off), the car will pull, and tires will wear unevenly. The outer edge wear on your front right tire specifically points to excessive positive camber or toe-out on that wheel.
    • Worn Suspension Components: Even if you get an alignment, if there are worn parts, the alignment won't hold. Common culprits include:
      • Control Arm Bushings: Worn bushings allow for excessive movement, throwing off alignment.
      • Ball Joints: Play in ball joints can affect wheel angles.
      • Tie Rod Ends: Loose tie rod ends can cause steering play and affect toe angle.
      • Struts/Shocks: While less common for pulling, a severely worn or damaged strut could affect ride height and alignment.
    • Tire Issues: Sometimes, a defective tire (e.g., a separated belt) can cause a pull, even if alignment is perfect. Swapping tires front-to-back or side-to-side can sometimes help diagnose this.
    • Brake Drag: A seized brake caliper or a sticky brake pad can cause one wheel to drag, leading to a pull. This often comes with heat from the wheel and sometimes a burning smell.

  2. Diagnosis:

    • A professional mechanic will first perform a comprehensive wheel alignment check. This will show if your current alignment angles are out of specification.
    • Before performing an alignment, they should inspect all suspension and steering components for wear or damage. If worn parts are found, they must be replaced before an alignment can be accurately performed.
    • They will also check your tires for any defects.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • You should schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic or a reputable alignment shop for your 2019 Volvo S90 as soon as possible. Driving with a car that pulls and has uneven tire wear not only compromises safety and comfort but also significantly shortens tire life, leading to costly premature tire replacement. Addressing it quickly will save you money and ensure your vehicle handles correctly.
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