What Could Cause This Wear Pattern?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by JimmyWells, Aug 18, 2017.

  1. JimmyWells

    JimmyWells Road Train Member

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    There are large wave sections of the tread's edge completely wiped off in large portions. I understand my pics aren't the best but it can be seen.
     
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  3. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Yeah, can't see it, but I believe you. What happens, I think, is that pattern starts unnoticed when there's tread, but as it continues wear, that pattern gets worse. I know what you're thinking. You don't want to spend Ft. Knox on tires, just to have this happen again to them. Aside from a wheel bearing, or balancing when new( and those weights do fly off after a while) and no other obvious mechanical problems, it's probably just the tire itself coming apart inside, like a belt or something. They take an incredible amount of abuse. Good luck.
     
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  4. benjamin260_6

    benjamin260_6 Medium Load Member

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    How tight do you torque your wheel bearings?
     
  5. JimmyWells

    JimmyWells Road Train Member

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    Exactly. I'd hate to put a new set on only to have it happen again and spend double in the long run. I was thinking bad belt due to a strange vibration I'm dealing but wheel bearings could cause this too? It's only on the two tires opposite or each other on the same axle. Wouldn't all four tires on the same axle do it since they share the same hub/bearing?
     
  6. miss elvee

    miss elvee Heavy Load Member

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    Sorry, wasn't clear, shock caused wavy tire wear.
     
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  7. JimmyWells

    JimmyWells Road Train Member

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    I used this procedure:

    "MOUNT HUB AND TORQUE BEARING. Lubricate the outer bearing and lay it and the fastening hardware on a clean towel. Carefully slide the hub onto the axle spindle until it bottoms out on the shoulder. Be sure the hub goes on straight. If it binds, remove it and inspect the seal for damage. Holding the hub with one hand, quickly install the outer bearing and spin on the large adjusting nut, tightening it according to the specification for that particular wheel end. Manufacturers typically recommend a torque wrench and dial indicator to properly set the bearing tension. Most mechanics, though, rely solely on a torque spec. When working on a traditional heavy-duty axle with a double-nut fastening system, they’ll crank down the adjusting nut to 200 pounds-feet while constantly turning the hub. Then they will back off the nut a full turn and retighten to 50 pounds-feet, again while turning the hub. The adjusting nut is then backed off the nut 1/16 to 1/4 turn to accommodate the locking ring or cotter pin. The outer, or “jam” nut is torqued to 250 pounds-feet to 350 pounds-feet, depending on the style of locking hardware. Fill the hub cavity with lube."
     
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  8. JimmyWells

    JimmyWells Road Train Member

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    Still unclear how a shock could cause that to happen.
     
  9. miss elvee

    miss elvee Heavy Load Member

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    Yeah, wasn't our first guess either. The Freightliner 2014s all have goofy passenger steer wear in our fleet. We tried everything. Balance, new tire brand, alignment, bearings, etc. The only thing that helped was new shock. And let me be clear... didn't completely fix the problem, but it did slow the goofy wear.
     
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  10. benjamin260_6

    benjamin260_6 Medium Load Member

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    That's too loose as far as I'm concerned and I'm pretty sure MD alignment will tell you the same thing. Loose wheel bearings are one of the leading causes of abnormal tire wear
     
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  11. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    100 PSI cold all the way around. I'm freakish about my tires. When a belt(s) start to go usually you'll notice the ride get a little rougher or slight vibration.

    I've talked at length with two service managers at Purcell, they both agree 100 PSI is the ticket.

    So how long have you had those?

    Why not go the whole nine and get the bearings & an alignment at the same time? Then your worry free.
     
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