Chips and Dip (Tires)

[Classicvibe]

I better just summarize my questions up front here...do tires chip from off-alignment? I need expert knowledge here, not weekender opinuendo (which I usually love)!

I had my steering rack replaced back in May, and had the van aligned at a local Firestone because it just cannot be as hard as everyone thinks. Do I really need a vanagon specific steering specialist as well (I was thinking)?

Anyhow, riding in my van feels and sounds like you are sporting 33s on a jeep. Freeways are just loud, and the chips are hopelessly huge. PIST!! I think my shocks are original, and likely blown or at least mostly useless. Are there any other traditional mechanical things that cause chipping (mine are on the inside of the fronts)?

I had to apologize to the guy at Firestone in the middle of my rant, right about the time I realized that they probably did a fine job. He kindly pointed out that the wear pattern (not chipping) looks much different when the alignment blows.

A thousand humble apologies my greasy knuckled friend! Now, WTF is going on with my tires? Wheels, tires, OME and springs are all on the docket here. If I knew that would solve it I would just pull the trigger I suppose.

So the moral of the story, don't be a dip about chips. I let mine go too long (I thought I had an entirely different issue going on) and then I assumed the alignment was off because that was the only variable that I had introduced. It appears the vanagon introduced a few variables of its own in the form of some old parts just giving out...but which ones? Thanks for your help.
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On a mission, the destination is just an excuse.

Syncro Solstice 2022...see you there!

1986.5 Wolfsburg Syncro Westfalia Poptop Weekender Transporter

[IdahoDoug]

When you say "chip" are you using this as a whimsical word to describe a wavy wear pattern on the inboard edges of your front tires? Also, you should help us out a bit here with some important diagnostic info:

-Do you know for a fact these were not already forming before the rack was replaced. Meaning could they have been there but too small to feel?

-Have the tires ever been rotated to your knowledge?

-What make/model/size/rating are the tires and how many miles?

-What inflation pressure have you been running and how diligent do you keep them pressurized?

-If you grab and shake the tire when it's lifted on a jack/hoist can you feel any slack either in the 9 and 3 positions or the 12 and 6 position?

DougM
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[Wildthings]

A picture would be nice. Really have no idea what you mean by chips and dips. Not in my vernacular. Could be stone cuts or could be overly wide tires rubbing against something in a turn.

For what its worth, I have never had an alignment guy admit to screwing up which they frequently have. This is why I usually do my own alignments.

[crowinghen]

[Williamtaylor33]

If I'm understanding you right. I had the same thing happen on a van of mine which was caused by aging springs. If I hit a steep incline with one tire it would rub. Chipping out a few of the corners of the tread.
Does this sound familar?
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89 Bostig powered syncro westy

[presslab]

Never heard of tire chips. Maybe cupping? Like scalloped tread? That's due to bad shocks or worn joints.

Or maybe the tread blocks tearing? An off-road problem usually.
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1986 Vanagon Westfalia EJ25
1988 Subaru GL-10 EJ20G --- 2000 Honda XR650L
2010 Titus El Guapo --- 2011 On-One 456 Ti