Rear Tires Cupping
 

I have a 2006 3S 5-door with 62K miles, stock 17" rims, but with Nexen N5000 215/50-17 tires. I had the car in for an oil change and the mechanic noticed (and showed me) that both rear tires were cupping. The typical cause is bad shocks. The shocks appear in good shape; no visable leaks or rebound problems.

The mechanic did not try to sell me anything because they could not find a cause. Their recommendation was to continue as is, although I hear extra road noise from the rear tires. Any thoughts?

alignment? Have you hit any potholes lately? I'd also check the air pressure, but I imagine that's the 1st thing you did.

good luck with that.

I just got the car (used) in August 2009, and apparently the previous owner did not rotate the tires.

As a local tire guy described to me, since the tires were not rotated, the front tires wear out prematurely and the rear 'cup'. He replaced the front tires, re-balanced the rears and said the rear tires should get 'round' again in about 500 miles.