Wheel alignment out caused by bullbar & winch?

[Mboys Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Mboys]

Something we have learned the hard way. Our Prado GXL is 2 years old, 40000kms and standard tyres wearing unevenly. We didn't have a balance or rotation done since purchase. Today we got a wheel alignment done as we plan to buy BFG AT's in one month (ordered) and knew there was an issue with the alignment. The bloke said the winch and bullbar we got a few months after we got the Prado would have put the wheel alignment out.
Will definitely watch all this closer from now on and do regular wheel balance/rotation. Any other suggestions to prolong the life of our next set of tyres?

[Black Diamond Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Black Diamond]

Re: Wheel alignment out caused by bullbar & winch?

The most important factor of all is tyre pressure. Although people are now a lot more aware of how important it is, they still need to be a lot more diligent in checking them frequently. Not set and forget.
Especially when running the the standard Dunflops as the sidewalls are like jelly, as well as keeping them rotated and aligned at intervals like suggested.

Your tyre bloke was spot on when he suggested the bullbar and winch was the cause, purely because of the weight. As we know a they weigh a fair bit thus dropping the nose slightly and causing a lot more bodyroll around corners and accelerating the shoulder wear on the tyres. The alignment should always be re checked after they are fitted as a differnece in height will change the alignment specs.

The correct tyre pressure not only helps stabilise the tyre on the rim, it decreases sidewall flex which generates higher temperatures, and can make them vulnerable to sidewall damage.
Of course, offroad is a different kettle of fish.
Your tyre bloke should be able to advise you on the correct pressures you need to run based on the type of tyre used, driving habits and weight, or of course there is this fantastic forum where there is an abundance of information and people willing to help you based upon their experiences.
Hope this helps
cheers john

[prado_chia Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close prado_chia]

Re: Wheel alignment out caused by bullbar & winch?

Was told by Tyre Power Pro guy that it could be caused by avoiding the two speed humps with the gap in the middle, a lot of people including myself put the drivers side tires in the gap... don't know if it is true? Put it out a bit every time? May change my driving style and just go over them.