Toyo Steer Tires strange wear - see pics

Well, that looks like a Toyo M147. I used to run those steer tires and every single set did the exact same as those in the picture. 1st time I did the new shocks, new kingpins, new shackle/hanger/pins & bushings deal. New Toyos did the same thing right @ around 65k miles. I would even rotate them every 20k miles from driver side to passenger side. I'd take them and run them on the trailer after the indented spots became more pronounced(80-90k miles). I switched over to General S371,Cont HSL2, or Cont HSR2 and problem is gone. I have a Pete 379. I also run them @ 100psi with centrmatics. Do get the suspension checked no doubt.

 

I agree I would check suspension but doubt that is cause although you may prevent a future wear issue. I have had similar tire wear and as posted earlier the only cure was different brand tires which just happen to be the General S371 and they are wearing even like they should.

 

On some loves tire shop I saw banner with different tire wear pattern and possible cause. That specific pattern refers to bad 5th wheel lube or drive axle misalignment. I'm sick and tired to fight that specific wear on my own truck, but from what I've noticed it happens with any brands sooner or later. I did everything EverLuc did but my truck still chewing tires like crazy. So I just change them at 100k miles and thats it. Its still a matter of luck though. On my trailer I have four different sets of tires. Best looking are, strangely enough, chinese Samson and, predictable, japanese OHTSU. All these loud Yokohama, Hancook, etc. are pure cr@p.
That said, if I need buy new tires (except michelin) I would look closely to OHTSU. Very, very good looking tire.

 

I used them close to 220K. 100K or close on the steer then I'd move them to the trailer and wear them down some more. When the weird spots lost tread, I would regroove those areas. Usually by the when you have worn them down enough to require complete regroove of the tire, those flat spots are down to the wires. If the spots are ridiculously flat or recessed, you will feel it in the cab regardless of where it is mounted. Chunk it or use it as a spare as you will most likely ruin the tire it is paired with, cause a wheel seal to leak and loosen up any parts being shaken loose. Run a different brand tire after you check the suspension. Something with a closed shoulder. That Toyo has that lip that has a little give to it and sometimes tears.

 

On my old bill from tire shop there is a note that re-aligment should be made every 30k miles (!?). I personally do it once a year (100k).

 

Oh yes, I did lube 5th wheel. On one trailer I have that slick disc that mounts around the kingpin. I also have those tru align sleeves that center up the wheel on the studs. Steer axle only. Had truck and trailer aligned. I did go down the cheaper brand route i.e primewell, linglong one time for the trailer only because I got them for $260 each if that @ some one bay tire shop. They wore down to the steel belts on one side only. Too funny. Otsu does look good, but the Generals, Contis and Bridgestone look very good with tire shine yup.

 

they wear good, no dents or uneven wear. I love it