Tires - Irregular/Premature Wear
NUMBER: 86-B-94GROUP: 3E - Wheels & Tires
DATE: June, 1987
SUBJECT: IRREGULAR/PREMATURE TIRE WEAR - ALL SEASON TIRES
MODELS: 1985-86 LIGHT DUTY MODELS EQUIPPED WITH ALL SEASON TIRES
CONDITION
Some 1985-1986 light Duty Trucks with original equipment all season tires ("M & S" rating on sidewall) may experience premature/irregular tire wear on non-drive axles. The wear may be identified as a cupping condition, usually on the outer shoulder of the tire. If allowed to continue, premature wear out of tread may occur.
CAUSE The single, most contributing cause of this type of wear, except for abusive driving, is excessive toein. Lack of tire rotation and low inflation pressures will also exaggerate this condition.
VEHICLES INVOLVED 1985-1986 M Van, G Van, C/K Trucks, and S/T Trucks equipped with all season tires as follows:
Front Position Only
^ Firestone "Supreme"
^ General "Ameriway XT"
^ Goodyear "Vector"
^ Uniroyal "Tiger Paw Plus"
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Front tire wear should be inspected. Use one of the following procedures to determine if tire replacement is necessary.
Firestone and Goodyear
A. If outer shoulder wear has progressed to the point that the outer shoulder is smooth (no tread visible), replace both front tires.
MODIFIED "X":
Measure Tread Depth:
B. If the outer shoulder tread is visible, use a tread depth gauge to determine extent of wear. Measure tread depth at location shown in Figure No. 2. If tread depth is 5/32" or
less, tire replacement will be necessary. If greater than 5/32", the tires should be rotated using the modified "X" pattern (See Figure No. 1). This method will best equalize wear after a few thousand miles.
SHOULDER WEAR:
General and Uniroyal
A. If only slight cupping is noticed, and the cross grooves in the tire's outside shoulder are still visible (See Figure No. 3), the tires should be rotated. The modified "X" pattern should be used (See Figure No. 1). This method will best equalize wear after a few thousand miles.
TIRE REPLACEMENT NECESSARY:
B. If the cupping or wear is severe, and the cross grooves in the outside shoulder are not visible, tire replacement will be necessary (See Figure No. 4).
Tire replacement, if required, will be made with the same brand and type tire as original equipment. These tires will be furnished on a "direct billed" basis to the dealer. Replacement tires must be obtained direct from the tire company by calling one of the following tollfree numbers:
Firestone - (216) 379-7096 (Collect) General - 1-800-Tire-FIX
- 1-800-426-4889 (Ohio)
Goodyear - 1-800-Tire-TEC Uniroyal - 1-800-231-5893 (except Texas)
- 1-800-833-5906 (Texas)
Dealers must supply owner's name, VIN, mileage, dealer code, tire make, size, and description (i.e., whitewall, brand name, etc.)
NOTE: A MAXIMUM OF TWO TIRES PER VEHICLE WILL BE PROVIDED ON A "ONE TIME ONLY" BASIS AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER FOR THE FIRST 12,000 MILES OR 12 MONTHS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.
2. A. On M Van, G Van, C/K Trucks, and S/T Trucks, whether tires are replaced or rotated, front alignment must be measured. For best tire wear, reset toe to zero. Camber and caster should be set to specification.
B. Important On All Vehicles To further help minimize tire wear, stress the importance of regular tire rotation to the owner. The modified "X" pattern at 7,500 miles is recommended. Also, point out the importance of proper inflation pressure, as listed on the tire placard on the driver's door edge.
3. Old tires must be considered part of warranty claim material and be held for scrapping by a GMC representative. They must be rendered unusable by drilling four holes through the tire serial number, located on back sidewall.
Mount new tires with the yellow mark or orange label on the tire at the valve stem on the wheel. Balance and install on non-drive axle positions.
Customer Reimbursement Claims for customer reimbursement of previously paid repairs due to the described tire wear condition, accompanied by originals of paid receipts verifying vehicle mileage, should be submitted to the Zone
Consumer Relations office. Vehicle mileage, time and service must be within the specified parameters to be eligible. Reimbursement amount requested should be shown as a sublet repair. Do not list parts and labor. Attach originals of customer receipts to repair order.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION The above services are consistent with new vehicle warranty and are to be performed at no charge to the owner for the first 12,000 miles or 12 months. For warranty purposes, use the following applicable labor operations and submit tires at net cost:
Tire
Manu- Labor Labor
Description* Model facturer Operations Time
1. Rotate 4 Light N/A T7240 1.4 Hrs. tires
Duty
(Modified Trucks
"X" Pattern)
and Align
Front
Suspension
2. Mount and Light Firestone T7245 2.0 Hrs.
balance-2 Duty General T7250 2.0 Hrs.
Tires and Trucks Goodyear T7255 2.0 Hrs.
Align Front Uniroyal T7260 2.0 Hrs.
Suspension
3. Adminis N/A N/A N/A .2 Hrs.
tration Time
*NOTE: 1. Use Failure Code 06 (worn) for all above labor operations.
2. All of the above labor operations include an allowance for wheel locks or locking wheel covers.
List net cost of tires in "Sublet" column of warranty claim.