Have a 2004 XC90 T6. Bought Dec 2004. Currently have 45,000+ miles.
I have had 11 tires on the car since purchase (6 Pirrelli and 5 Mich.) all have had "cupping" wear problems on the outer edge at very low mileage( under 10,000).
Three alignments have been done, multiple balancing.
The car almost always pulls to the left.
Before I purchase a set of these expensive tires, I would like to know what is causing this abnormal wear. The service managers solution is to check the alignment when the tires are replaced. Not a solution, in my opinion, given the history.
ANY IDEAS??

 

Just had TWO alignments done by the dealer -first one done after I noted increased wear on the inside of the rear tires and outside of the fronts. Well, after that first alignment the car was tracking OK, but the steering wheel was off center by about 15 degrees.

Came back for another alignment -still have just about 5 degrees off center in the steering wheel.

I might just go to a shop I used before, pay $60.00 and have them check dealer's work and correct if needed. I am thinking: if they twice could not do wheel alignment right, who really knows if it's only the steering wheel off or maybe a couple of wheels too?

You may go to a decent tire shop for the alignment and see what they find/ can do -they align wheels, not tires.

 

I noticed same wear issues at around 15K miles... rotated the tires and the outer edges were almost bald at 22K miles. Dealership said I needed alignment... SUV tracks straight and smooth... I think its just an excuse. I purchased a wider tire even though its not OEM and love them. Dealership did not like my purchase choice and refused to install them... so I went aftermarket tire shop and they put them on for me. Tires look better and the ride is alot smoother and quiter. I installed Yokohama G052 Geolander HTS all season sport truck/SUV tires. Anyone try similar size?

Thanks,
Russ

 

Your tire wear could be due to a few things which I won't go into great detail about, but I will give you some thing you can check yourself.

1. Check your tire pressure! Under inflatted or over inflatted tires do wear in very unusual ways. You can get a cheap $2 tire pressure guage from your local auto parts store and keep on top of that yourself. Correct tire pressure values are listed on the inside of the gas door or the inside of the drivers door.

2. When you get an alignment be sure to ask for a copy of the "before" and "after" angles of the vehicle. If you see any areas that are red you need to have dealer elimate the problem immediately. A warning though. Some rear angles such as camber are not adjustable. It would be wise to get an alignment somewhere else or take your aligmnet sheet to another rebutable shop to get a second opinion. I'm sure they wouldn't mind giving you a few seconds of their time.

3. Rotate your tires every 5k miles. If you choose to have the dealer do this it will cost you a little money each time you do it, but maximize your tire life. Or you can spend an hour one afternoon and do it yourself in the driveway. Rotating tires causes them to wear evenly (for the most part) because they are place at different points on the vehicle.

 

From my research the VolvoAWD are very hard on the tire wear. Owners are replacing their tires at 15-20k (mils). They claim due to the way the Volvo AWD is build results in a fast wearing on the tires treads. I currently have Michelins Piolts but they are making a funny noise and treads have worn.

Here's a poll on the suggested tire replacment.
Online Poll » Results http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=64169

Nokian(37%, 38 votes)
Michelin Pilot MXM4(23%, 24 votes)
Bridgestone Alenza 255/55/18(9%, 10 votes)
Goodyear Eagle Response Edge 235/60/18(6%, 7 votes)
Toyo Proxes(5%, 6 votes)
Yokohama Geolander HTS 255/55/18(4%, 5 votes)
Cooper Zeon XST 255/55/18(3%, 4 votes)
Dunlop SP5000 M+S in 255/55-18(2%, 3 votes)
BF GoodRich gforce KDW2 255/55/16(0%, 1 votes)
Pirelli Ice & Snow winter 235/60/18(0%, 1 votes)
Continental CrossContact LX 255/55/18(0%, 1 votes)

=====================================

I plan on getting the Nokian WR G2 SUV (all Season), they are hard to find and run about $200-$240 p/tire[] (may need to order online)

If i'm going to replace my tires every 15-20mil, I figure it would run about the same $$ wise to invest inthe Nokian Tireswhich (is about 45,000 miles) If interested in the Nokian, check out Josh Spangler @ tiresbyweb@gmail.comor 800 576-1009 ext 775 (May offer a little discount- Tell him Liz from the volvo forum refrered you)

Nokian Info:
http://www.tiresbyweb.com/showproduct.aspx?Productid=7396&ProdVar=61703

Keep us posted on how you make out

 

I think no matter which tyres one puts on if your alignment is out they will all chew out quickly. Most important is your toe. If not correct can chew up a tyre in 6 months or less depending on mileage of course. It is simple enough to set up but most of the problem seems to be finding someone that will do it right. Check your bottom ball joints. With these xc90s take it easy on full lock when turning and on harsh cornering, although they handle very well they are heavy and front tyres take a hammering. These XC90s are great wagons.!! (-:

 

1. XC90's are hard on tires, they corner well, but hard cornering will take it's toll.
2. Cupping is almost always a loose/worn bearing or suspension component.
3. In case 2 is not the problem. SEE NUMBER TWO.
4. My best wearing tires are/were the Bridgestone Ecopa by almost 50%