Tires 'cupping'
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Trophy Club Texas
Tires 'cupping'
I have had Ford trucks for the last 20 years or so. My last one was an F-150 with Goodyear tires (I forget what size, but it's probably not important). My current truck is an F-250 6.0. Extended cab, short bed if that makes a difference. Tires are again Goodyears. Steeltex A/T 265/75/16's
Both of my last two trucks had a problem with the tires cupping. I use the term cupping, not sure it is the correct term. What I mean is they have 'cups' in the tread. Make a lot of noise when going down the highway.
I'm pretty good about checking the tire pressure and they haven't ever been more than a pound or two low. I had my current trucks alignment checked at the dealer (no problems found). I also took it to a well respected alignment shop by home and they said it was a little bit out of alignment, but nothing to cause concern.
What I'm not very good about is rotating tires, but with only 17k miles on this truck, I hate to think that I need to get new tires already.
Any ideas as to the cause, and how can I keep it from happening?
Both of my last two trucks had a problem with the tires cupping. I use the term cupping, not sure it is the correct term. What I mean is they have 'cups' in the tread. Make a lot of noise when going down the highway.
I'm pretty good about checking the tire pressure and they haven't ever been more than a pound or two low. I had my current trucks alignment checked at the dealer (no problems found). I also took it to a well respected alignment shop by home and they said it was a little bit out of alignment, but nothing to cause concern.
What I'm not very good about is rotating tires, but with only 17k miles on this truck, I hate to think that I need to get new tires already.
Any ideas as to the cause, and how can I keep it from happening?
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Ohio
The tread on the tire has abnormal wear. Cupping can be caused by improper tire balance, or worn suspension components. This abnormal wear occurs when the tire bounces slightly as it is rotating down the highway.
When buying new tires find a dealer that has a free rotation service. The rim should be checked for run and balance then mount the tire.
Just my guess: Ford out sources rims and tires. The assembly line recieves them already mounted. Your new truck had a problem before you bought it.
When buying new tires find a dealer that has a free rotation service. The rim should be checked for run and balance then mount the tire.
Just my guess: Ford out sources rims and tires. The assembly line recieves them already mounted. Your new truck had a problem before you bought it.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 90
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From: Los Lunas,NM
My F-150 had a cupping issue at about 25k I too took extremee care of the tires rotate, balance,air pressure, come to find out it was shocks. I spent money on several realignments. Once I changed to a good shock and new tires, no more problems. That was my experience with tire cupping. Good luck
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Second star to the right!
Pickups seem to inherantly cup the tires. Once your tires have cupped, they are done for. To prevent it in the future, have the tires rotated at every oil change (approx. 5000 miles).
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,532
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From: Valdez, Alaska
I have an 04 with 20,000 on it and I had some serious cupping on the driverside front. Noticed it when I changed over from my winter tires to my summer tires. Took it an and I also had a little alignment issue. I also had my front in camber wacked. Had to replace parts to get it back in alingment. Now I got to buy two new winter tires for the front end. At least I have until Sept before I need those. I'm not to surprised due to how horrible our roads are.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 201
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From: New Hampshire
Tire cupping
I had trouble with my two Dodge trucks, and my F150 with cupping. All ran Goodyear Wranglers. I tried everything, H-D shocks, rotations, and air pressure also I couldnt get many miles out of them. My Goodrich's on my 350 look real good after 32,000 and dont even look half worn, the Wranglers would be spent and cupped at this point
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Super Moderator
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From: Ohio
If no suspension componets are worn....your tires and rims have to be balanced.
When buying tires check to see if the tire dealer can balance tires for radial / lateral balance. If the answer is no.....find another tire dealer.
When buying tires check to see if the tire dealer can balance tires for radial / lateral balance. If the answer is no.....find another tire dealer.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 25
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Is cupping the same thing as that stair step pattern (each square lug on the tire tread becomes slightly tilted)? I live in the mountains of North Carolina, and have had this problem on my 99 E-250 and 04 E-350 on the front, and have to rotate them much sooner than 5000 mi. to keep them even. My wife has had this happen on the rear wheels of her minivan.
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