[Clunker]

2008 Silverado 4X4 (5.3 liter)
57k miles.
My tires are cupped and can't be balanced. These are the original tires, Bridgestone P275/55/R20's. The tread is still good. I've had them inspected. I rotated every 8-10k miles, but now they are cupped and my whole truck vibrates.

I'll need to get new tires even though I could probably get another 8k miles out of these is they weren't cupped. Just wondering if anybody else has experienced similar results. I drive mainly on the interstate hi-way averaging 50-60 mph, not much off road.

 

[stephan]

I've had 2 tires cupping before, but not 4. The cause of mine was bad shocks, not enough compression & too much rebound. Have you been able to determine a cause, or do you think it's just the fault of the tires?

 

[dsfloyd]

shocks are usually the culprit for cupping, plus factory tires are usually garbage (even when they are a good name). If they are so bad they cant be balanced I would get new tires, shocks and and alignment. also have the alignment shop look at the front suspension. Try and find a reputable place (so they dont just try to sell you crap you dont need) as most will check before they align as it does no good to align it when things are bad. Or if you are handy you can easily check front end suspension very easily. If you want to know how to do it PM me or I will look for a thread that I have explained it in before (lots of typing to explain but not that difficult)

---------- Post added at 02:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:46 PM ----------

found one of the posts I explain the process in.
http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/showthread.php?63061-Steering-Linkage-Boots-Ruptured

 

[silveradotrailblazer]

X3, most likely worn shocks. The tire is bouncing as you drive, causing the cupping. The factory shocks are good for about 25,000 miles, combine with the factory tire.....

---------- Post added at 04:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:31 PM ----------

Shocks go bad slowly so you don't notice until you replace them and then you say holy crap what a ride differance.:gasp:

 

[Mean_Green_95]

Tires should be rotated ever 6k. I rotate mine every 3k since I have access to lifts. Cupping comes from worn shocks, miss alignments, and/or lack of rotation. Life the front of your truck up and check your hub barrings, ball joints, inner and outer tie rods, and shocks.

 

[Clunker]

I have not determined the cause. Going to get new tires and shocks and alignment this week. Truck is in the shop now for warranty work on the slip yoke. I'm pretty sure what the others here have said is correct. I think the shocks (at 58,000 now) are probably done. And by looking at my tires, they are wearing unevenly (slightly, not badly) so that points to possible alignment issues. I'll post an update after I get all my work done hopefully by early next week. I'm going with Michellins. I hear they are by far the best. I'm thinking Bielsteins on shocks. If anybody has suggestions or thoughts, I'd be glad to entertain them. I'm not trying to spend a ton of money, just basic good tires/shocks.

Mike

 

[dsfloyd]

your gonna pay a little more for the bilsteins but definately worth it. they run between 75-90 each (at least for my truck not sure of yours)

 

[Mean_Green_95]

Bilsteins are top dollar. I've been told they are worth it, but I don't have personal experience with them. Michelin tires are probably the best tire on the market. The M/S2's and LT2's are really good tires.