OK..So I had a brand new set of Michelin tires put on and had the vehicle aligned and already I can tell that the front tires are starting to cup on the inside...I replaced the struts...so now I'm left with strut mounts, and or springs...I think....can strut mounts cause this kind of wear? Also if the springs are bad would I be better off to go with one of those lowering spring kits or is that going to cause more issues?

 

There was a change in alignment specs that maybe some were not aware of???

You don't tell us the MY so I can only guess.

bob gauff

 

Sorry...it's a 2003 AWD 2.5 liter and thanks for the quick turn around and TSB's...I'll get the printout for the alignment and check the specs.

 

post the printout

 

OK...here are the before and after specs!

 

thats a nice alignment for someone that doesnt know the car, and lets the machine tell them want to do. I would almost bet that if you pushed out on the inside of the front tires it would toe out into the red. But regardless I never set toe in the middle of specs, it can still cause tire wear in the inside. Youve already stated that the tires don't like where theryre setup at on toe. Forget the right rear camber, it barely out and if you blow on it it would be in. the camber gain on the front is biased to the left so the front will drift more to the right than normal. But you cannot do anything with it except live with it, or adjust the rudder in the rear(rear toe)
I would ask it to be redone due to tire wear and have the front toe brought into almost the red of toe in. Like +.03to +.04 That way as you drive and the road pushes out on the tires it will still be in an alignment that won't wear the tires so much inside, i(f at all) Xtypes are VERY sensitive to incorrect toe and many times I see tires with a ridge worn into the insides of the fronts and still plenty of tread across the face

 

Awesome! will do...I think that they will be cool with redoing it...I'm gonna print out your post and show it to them...in your opinion though..you're thinking that the strut mounts and springs are not necessarily the problem at this point correct?....I just want to cover all my bases before I end with poopy tires....thanks!

 

Not really from what i see on the sheet.

 

Just to be sure I ordered a set of mounts...I suppose I'm trying to cover all my bases with this thing....However, do you know an easy way to replace these mounts or do I have to pull the knuckle and everything to get at them? Many thanks!

 

On a jack in your driveway i dont think there is an easy way

 

Agreed!...but i have access to a lift!

 

Take the lower control arm loose from the knuckle. Take out the front bolt from arm and frame, loose rear bolt and swing the arm out of the way. You did spray rust penatrant on the lower shock the night before didnt you
unbolt the knuckle from the lower shock and drive a chisel into the knuckle to loose and spread the mount for the shock. Push down and seperate. Its all straight forward past that

 

Much appreciated! will have a go at it some time here in the near future.