Michelin LTX AT2 tire wear problems

Okay, so I bought these in the stock size, P-rated, just like the stock tires were. P265/70R16.

Just under 2K miles later the front tires were wearing noticeably on the outside edges only, with the passenger size significantly worse. The rest of the tire looked brand new, the rears looked brand new all the way across the tread.

So I go back to the tire shop and have the alignment checked. It's very slightly off on the toe only-excessive toe-out. The alignment tech and I agree that this should cause the INSIDE edges to wear, not the outsides. Regardless, I had the alignment done, and the printout now shows everything in spec. Alignment guy drives a lifted Tacoma and says the frontend is all in good shape. He seems to know what he's doing, as do I. The tires were rotated, starting off again with brand new looking tires up front.

So, not quite 3K miles since then and the same exact thing is happening again. The right front outer edge has just about worn the sipes off the tread blocks, maybe a 32nd of an inch in less that 3K miles of mixed highway, city driving. They have been down a few rough dirt roads, but nothing serious that would have required 4WD.

35psi in all tires, as suggested by the tire shop. Truck drives just fine, does not pull, wander, etc. All stock, 70K miles.

If this was a sports car, driven hard, I would say it's cornering wear. I don't drive it hard at all, and I'm the guy everyone says drives like their grandpa. The last set of (cheap) tires did not do this, they wore out evenly.

I think it's the tires. The last time I was in there it seemed like the manager was holding back on me, like he wasn't really surprised what he was seeing. He said if the alignment wasn't a problem, he could talk to Michelin about it.

Anyone else having problems with these tires? If this continues, there is no way they will hit 50K miles. They are rated at either 50K or 60K, can't remember now.

 

It's either an alignment issue, or tire pressure issue.

 

I have these tires on my 4Runner and Tacoma and would buy them again. Has the truck suspension been modified? I would spend the money and get a 4 wheel alignment at the dealer. I had a discount shop try to do my alignment and they couldn't get it right - and I'm pure stock. They are expensive tires and so a pricey alignment is worth it IMO. I've had mine for 30K miles and they still look good and evenly worn. Good luck.

 

id be taking a very close look at the ball joints for this problem. im a michelin fan and never had a set that didnt go at least 50 thousand miles

 

Thanks for the replies. I guess I will be checking the frontend components for myself. Odd that the last set of tires were evenly worn when removed, then immediately having problems with the new set.