Technical Excessive Inner Front Tyre Wear

[James M]

Re: Tyre Muncher

TBH Brian, the time to worry is if the wear is uneven, as the guy in the tyre shop told me, with a car like the Stilo, 20k is about what to expect out of tyres.

 

[jasper]

Re: Tyre Muncher

Just got off the phone to Arnold Clark they're gonna give the car a full valet inside and out tomorrow - and also explain why the tyres were shot after 4.5k. The service manager did say that on early chassis models there was or is a problem with a front suspension arm that causes increased tyre wear on the inside edge after about 10k. He said 4.5k was exceptional and that the chassis problem shouldn't be on an 04 model anyway. They are also going to look at the climate control and clicking pedal again....so it looks like I'll give them another chance.... (but I always say that)!!

 

[jasper]

Re: Tyre Muncher

Car in for its clean now; service manager said that tracking/alignment was out equally both sides and that he can only think it left the factory like that .....I'm not so sure - but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now.

As for the clicking pedals he said these were caused by the micro sensors in the clutch and accelerator pedals and that there was nothing that could be done...in fairness the pedals on my 02 model also clicked and it's not the severe clicking sound from the clutch that other Forum members have reported.

The creaking climate control is caused by the motors adjusting the flap settings (which I kind of worked out for myself) my complaint was that they operated silently for the first few months but now make a nasty grinding noise. They told me that Fiat wouldn't recognise the 'noise' as a fault and so wouldn't authorise any work...he did say to monitor it though and bring it in again if it gets worse.....Gee, thanks mate!!!!!

So, does anyone else's climate control make a lot of noise?

 

[jasper]

Re: Tyre Muncher

Just picked the car up - absolutely spotless inside and out - couldn't have done a better job myself. They also gave me a wninter care pack which was nice. So it does pay to complain. Thing is this sort of service should be standard not what you get after being bothered enough to complain

Will monitor the tyre wear like a hawk now....

 

[jasper]

Re: Excessive front tyre wear!

Hi na parky, my tyres suffered from this fault having worn dangerously low in 4.5k, I got it fixed and two new tyres under warranty. I understand your mileage is higher but I think it should still be a warranty job...keep at them.

 

[Big Black Stilo]

Re: Excessive front tyre wear!

Im not been funny here but I have noticed that its people with 17" alloys on that have this problem. I have the 15" steels on as i cant get insured with alloys and the wear is even

 

[StiloBoy]

Re: Excessive front tyre wear!

Granted, i've got 15's on my Stilo, so you might well be onto something. I was just thinking of switching front to back so i get 30000 out of a set, where i'll be happy. 17's in the waiting!

 

[jasper]

Re: Excessive front tyre wear!

Stiloboy says that incorrect tracking does not make the car unroadworthy. I agree it probably doesn't, but my car did not handle properly and in certain conditions the steering went "very light" which could be disconserting. From the way the car drove there was obviously something wrong. I do not think the way to get a repair of this type carried out is to imply the fault is minor and of little consequence because it is not, it causes excessive tyre wear which is expensive.

These are the exact same symptons I had with my tyre wear, I agree they are disconcerting and would be dangerous if you had to take emergency avoiding action of some kind. My fault was down to the geometry set-up according to the dealer - but he seemed surprised it had affected an 04 model of such low mileage, so badly.

 

[muttleysdad]

Re: Excessive front tyre wear!

Hi Guys

New to this site!
I've got a 02 Fiat Stilo 1.2 active 17" alloys.
I purchased it in May 04 from Horners Manchester.
I just noticed Excessive tyre wear on my front tyres, on the inside! I've
read that this is due to a tracking fault! I have read a few posts on this site about it, how common is it?
what are the chances of me getting it fixed by fiat and getting 2 new front tyres from them?
milage at the moment is 16500
I'm now in my 3rd year!

cheers
Neil P

This has been a common fault with all the fiats I have owned, The large wheels can upset the dynamics of the car somewhat. What i do now is take them straight to a repitable tracking center and have them 4 wheel aligned as soon as i buy them, my new Stilo (17" wheels) was 4.5 degrees out, I had it tracked and have never had a problem with it. I know the dealer should do it but its far less hassle to get it done properly when the car is new then just get a free check every six months or so to ensure everythings ok.
little tip-I have found that if the wheels are tracked to a neutral position the car can become unstable at speed, if you ask them to put half a degree toe in per side it becomes a lot more responsive and tyre wear is still nothing.

 

[Cango]

Re: Excessive front tyre wear!

I have a 04 stilo dynamic-sportive with factory 17" wheels an have no problem with my tires.. But a friend of mine has a 03 stilo with 15"factory wheels, changed to 17"s and has the same problem, front tyres inner sides are getting bald..

 

[robertk2003]

Re: Tyre wear update

i've had exactly the same problem as you Black jtd, I have a 1.9 115 JTD Multiwagon. Took it in for its first service @ 13000mls. Got a phone call later, telloing me the tracking was out and the front tyres were worn due to this. Then came the usual "You must have hit a kerb / pothole / your driving style!".
I asked if this was usual on such a new car (Only 11mnths old at time), and i was told it was not. Reading this forum, would sugggest its more than usual, its an epidemic, on Stilo's.
I had to pay for thetracking (On top of an outrageous amount for the service). However thanks to this forum, i'm now complaing to everybody and anybody,. I've told them i want compensating, as i've had endless troubles with the car.
i'll post any replies from fiat, however i would'nt hold my breath, as the "reply within 7 - 10 working days policy", seems to have been forgotton.

Daft as it sounds i wish i'd never got rid of my Rover 25 now.
BUCK YOUR IDEAS UP FIAT. UNDERSTAND WHAT CUSTOMER SERVICE IS!

 

[StiloBoy]

Re: Tyre wear update

Moved my front to the back the other week, 16000miles on them, still reasonable tread left. Should get another 16000 miles all in from the set. Guestimated 32,000 miles from a set of tyres is good! Got a mate who got 50,000 miles out of a set in his Clio, but they were borderline when he replaced them.

 

[1.8Stilo]

Re: Tyre wear update

After reading various posts through tyre wear/rear axiles being replaced! Ive been watching mine and the seems to be wearing pretty even and i havent heard the squeeking from the rear axile; only more miles will tell me! Being a later 03' (09/03) i fort fiat were meant to have sorted these problems before the dispatched the cars after about 03/03! How long in my warrenty am i covered for this sort of work; as i was under the impression 3rd year warrenty dosent cover you for alot?!

I havent had my car from new, but looking at the tyres it seems the front have been changed and rear are originals! I got the car at 15K miles and the front look almost new and the rear dont seems to worn, ive took it to 18K miles now (Not done as many miles as lost the use of it for a month)! I fink ill measure the thread when i get home and see what they are in comparison and measure the inner edge and outter edge and see if they are wearing different! Around 15K for front tyres ent to bad, as the wear alot quicker than the rear usually?! Or does that seems rather low and spark bells!!! I mean the possability is that the original fronts could have got punched and had to be changed i dont really know?!

I love the car; this is just my biggest worry as it could end up costing alot of £££; if its not spotted early on!

 

[StiloBoy]

Re: Tyre Wear on Abarth

To be quite honest nearly 20,000 miles out of a pair of tyres is good!

Stilo Abarth is a heavy beastie at the front, a bit of fun and you'll shorten the life of those tyres easily!

My Saxo VTS used to go through front tyres every 8000miles, i didn't radge it, but it was fitted with super sticky (see quick wearing) Michelins.

Personally i rotate my tyres, i put the front on the back at 16,000 miles, the backs always wear slower than fronts, in a front drive car. So i'll hopefully expect to replace a full set at about 36000 to 40000 miles.

At the end of the day, you'll be going through your tyres at the same rate as me, only i'll do it less frequently, but more expensively when i do replace! But then i'll have the benefit of a matching full set of tyres. I hate having multiple brands on a car.

 

[david palmer]

Re: Tyre Wear on Abarth

I have just got new tyres on my Abarth at 10,500 miles! I was hoping to get Fiat to contribute towards the cost but the tyre wear was completely even. That said however, I am a little disappointed to have to replace them so soon especially as the wife mainly drives the car and certainly doesn't rag it. In fact average mpg of around 30 certainly backs that theory. So all in all I think you have done well to have got so many miles out of your tyres. By the way the tyres were Pirelli P7000's.

 

[Acordis]

Re: Tyre Wear on Abarth

I'm on the P7000's on my Abarth with 13K on the clock and still some life on them. Can't crack 30MPG though nearer 25, and that is with the wife driving most of the time! (ok so it is her car, but it's soooo much fun to drive!)

 

[Stilo Multijet 140bhp]

Re: Tyre Wear on Abarth

I've got the P7000 on my car and i've done 11.000km (bout 8 or 9000 miles i think) and they still look very good. I'd say at least another 20.000 km on them and it's not as if i drive slowly (beaing a diesel i get really sudden surge of power and wheel spin is very frequent).
Maybe it's 'cause Engalnd has got far better tarmac than Spain (cause it rains alot more) and maybe that multiplys the tyre wear? (as well as multipying the grip!!!!!)

 

[thepottleflump]

Re: Tyre Wear on Abarth

I must drive like an old grandad; My original set of tyres are now on 33500 miles, I've replaced 1 tyre due to a puncture. All are Michelins. I still have a couple of mm on the fronts but probably could do with replacing for safety, I've noticed the traction control cutting in alot more when quickly pulling out from junctions.

My sister achieved 40,000 miles on a set in her Yaris, her old man works for a tyre shop and they were all still legal when she replaced them.

 

[Ben R]

Re: Tyre Wear on Abarth

Michelins do last thats why their so expensive. I wouldn't compare your car to your sisters yaris though theres a lot more power going to those front wheels.

 

[Chrisuk1983]

Re: Tyre Wear on Abarth

I have pirelli P zero neros on my 1.6 dynamic 04 plate. The car is 8 months old and done 8k. Both tyres are bald on the inside. I took it to the dealers to have a look and they said "come back after you have had a four wheel allignment done". I had this done and took it back and the car went in on tuesday for two days. Fiat have issued a modification for this fault, and it is a problem accross the range. They said it had something to do with bushings that need adjusting. Anyway they have sent a report to Fiat to see if they will cover the cost of the tyres, fingers crossed. I'll let you know if it works.