I have recently purchased a 2005 S2K with 36K on it. It is pulling left when accelerating and then back to the right when I come off the gas. Sure enough -- like many of the posts indicated -- one wheel is much more significantly worn than the other. (Back driver is worn almost all the way down, while rear passenger has a very good amount of tread left on it.) When the tires are swapped, the symptoms reverse.

So replacing the tires will resolve the problem, but for how long? Does anyone know what may be causing this to happen in the first place? Is it a bad differential?

If this is already posted somewhere a link would be greatly appreciate. I spent a fair amount of time looking for the answer, but without any luck.

Thanks
M

 

The Torsen differential is sensitive to wheel diameter. The problem will go away with new properly inflated tires.

 

I am still a bit confused. The difference in the tire tread is significant yet the tire that is more worn does not show signs of improper wear as would be expected if it was under inflated for a long time.

I have heard that under inflation could be the cause of the pulling, but when inflated to the proper pressure the symptom disappears. Could a temporary under inflation that leaves no signs on uneven tread wear, be the culprit of this large difference???

Thanks for the help.
M

 

When was your last alignment? I would get that checked as well. I bet something is off on that side

 

That's possible since I do not know when the last time was that the previous owner had it aligned. I certainly will have it aligned when I mount the new tires.

I guess my major concern is not wanting to ruin the next set of new tires if there is something mechanically wrong with the car. Could it be a problem with the differential?

M

 

I never understand this logic. Go get the alignment looked at NOW. The chance of this being due to the being out of alignment are much much higher than anything wrong with the diff. If there was something wrong with the diff there would be other signs like odd noises or something. Have you changed your diff fuild? If there aren't chunks of metal in it its probably ok. This is a little like you having to jump start the car every time you drive it and thinking it is the engine not the battery. You should get it aligned before you get new tires since if you wait you will be driving on new tires and causing the same premature wear you have right now. Work simple to complicated when it comes to problems as a great deal of the time it is one of the simpler things that is wrong.

 

Replace the tires and enjoy your car. It IS the tread depth difference causing it, you've already diagnosed it by swapping right to left. Replace the rear tires two at a time($$$) for future reference.

 

Manga_Spawn thank you for your reply (and sorry about hurting your head...)

I'm just looking for a list of potential causes. While I probably don't know enough about how the alignment could impact tread wear that appears to be even across the tire yet much more extensively worn on one tire versus the other, I am someone that needs to get into the details to understand how something happened.

Your information on the differential fluid is very helpful and I will change and inspect that fluid before getting the new tires to help ensure there is no other problem there. Can you, or anyone else, please recommend other potential causes that a simple inspection can help rule out in an effort to be thorough.

Thanks again.
M

 

It is likely the toe on that one tire is off. That can cause it to wear faster. My entire point is an alignment is generally pretty cheap and some places you can get a lifetime one were you can go in and get it checked and adjusted regularly. Anyways I can't think of anything else that it could be. There would be other symptoms if it was a more major issue. The alignment should reveal if any bushings or anything are worn out. Anyways I still say you should just go get the alignment done and go from there since you have no idea when it was last done it's a good maintenance item to do anyways. You can visually check the shocks for leaks.

 

Manga_Spawn

Thanks again. I understand and will try to post in a few months how this seems to be shaking out.

M