ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringWheels and Tires Diagnosis and RepairMedium
A technician is performing a pre-purchase inspection on a vehicle. They observe that the inner edges of both front tires show significantly more wear than the outer edges. The vehicle does not pull to one side, and the steering wheel is centered. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this tire wear pattern?
- AExcessive negative camber
- BExcessive toe-out
- CInsufficient tire pressure
- DExcessive positive camber
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Excessive negative camber
Excessive negative camber causes the top of the wheel to tilt inward, placing more weight and wear on the inner edge of the tire. Since both front tires show this, it points to a camber issue rather than a pull from toe or a single-side issue.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Excessive toe-out would cause feathered wear across the tread and generally a pull or instability, not specifically inner edge wear on both sides without a pull.
- C. Insufficient tire pressure causes wear on both outer edges (shoulders) of the tire, not just the inner edge.
- D. Excessive positive camber would cause wear on the outer edge of the tire.
Negative Camber Wear
Excessive negative camber causes accelerated wear on the inner edge of the tire tread due to the tire tilting inwards at the top.
- Tire top tilts inward
- Inner edge wears faster
- Can be caused by worn suspension or incorrect alignment
Memory trick: Camber's tilt tells the tale of inner or outer wear.