Tire cupping problem- Long

[Rambling]

My wheels have been vacationing in FL for the last 3 months. My Dad noticed that the left front, and to a lessor extent the right front, tires are cupping in the center.



Prior to the trip we (more the wife than I) began to notice a slight pull to the right when braking. In a addition, we noticed an occassional new vibration (sort of rear end hopping but not) when running over raised seams in the roadway. There has also been an occassional squeeking toward the front that we've been unable to isolate. It occurs only after being on the hi-way awhile and doesn't see related to 'bumps' in the road (at least the ones we feel). The squeek does quit after awhile. Don't know if they're related.



Is the cupping more likely just normal wear for orignal tires that have not been rotated on a truck that has towed 40% of it's 33K miles? Or should I be more concerned with possible front steering parts?



Anyone familiar with dealers in the Tampa Bay area? Don't want the 'everything is in spec' response even when it's broke. (I have the alignment post)



Trying to decide if it would be worth paying the penalty to fly 2 days earlier.



Sorry for the long post.

 

[BCFAST]

A couple things:

Firstly, if they are the tires that came from the factory chances are they're junk dead. The Michelins et al that the manufacturer buys IS NOT the same build-quality as the tires you buy down on the corner. No. 2: If your shock absorbers are original, they're dead. Spend a little money and buy some Rancho 9k's or Bilsteins and you wont believe you're in the same vehicle! Let me find out about some local info, and I'll post or PM you.



Brian

 

[Rambling]

Thanks, BC. Looking forward to any info you might find.