05 vs 08 LR3 tire wear

[arkierover]

I have a 2005 LR3 SE that I am looking to trade for a 2008 LR3 HSE. I was wondering if all the tire wear issues have been resolved. We've burned through a new set of tires approx every 10 K to 12 K miles, and I'm sick of it!

Also, the steering wheel of the 08 is off center (tilts to the right) when driving in a straight line straight or even parked straight. The dealership selling the vehicle says that is an easy fix and nothing to be concerned about. Is that correct?

Thanks!

 

[jimbiram]

I don't know what tires you have or who is doing your alignment, but you are not getting the right things done to your truck. My Cooper Zeons have 30k miles on them now, and I expect another 10-15 at least before replacing. Alignment about 2x annually at the dealer. Tire stores don't have the right stuff to do it.

 

[sideview]

The steering wheel is an easy fix, supposedly.

 

[nwoods]

I get my LR3 aligned frequently, on average about on a quarterly basis. My Nitto's went 30,000 miles of rigorous abuse, and my Coopers now have 34,000 miles of similar use and are still going strong. If you are habitually buying GoodForOneYear Wrangler HP's that came stock, then you deserve them.

No, sorry, that's too mean. No one deserves tires that are as bad as the OEM Goodyears. But seriously, think on getting some better rubber down there next time.

 

[RVRSRVC]

I bought my '06 at 31k last April. The tires had just been replaced with Michelin Synchrones about a month before I took possession. Now has 49k (for a guy who works from home, 18k is a lot of miles in a year!) many of them with 6k# on the tow hitch. Tires are rotated at every oil service, and seem to be wearing well.

 

[arkierover]

I think the suspension alignment / tire wear issue on the 05's has been pretty well documented. From my understanding, there was a range of VIN's that had the issue and I was one of the lucky ones. I read there has even been a class action lawsuit filed, but I'm not sure what became of that.
Anyway, I just want to be sure that the issue has been resolved.
Thanks!

 

[houm_wa]

arkie, I think the message (to you) here is that at least 50% of the issue was the Goodyear tires. I got one alignment after buying Michelin Synchrones and they are wearing well 33,000 miles later.

 

[MonLand]

Tire stores don't have the right stuff to do it.

Sorry for the highjack, I actually have a question about this: so, let's assume a shop not equipped with the right computer does the alignment. What will be wrong? Will I still need to go to the dealership?

Here is my experience: got new tires installed at my local (and trusted) garage, at the same time I asked for an alignment (and assumed they had the Ford computer stuff). Drove it, got Xmas lights while driving on the highway (read: all systems detected error and shutdown, even air suspension), shut off the engine, restarted it, drove another few miles, did that again. I'd say it did it three times. Will the system recalibrate by itself at some point? Or it is always going to be off until the dealership (or another Ford-computer-equipped shop) resets (?) it?

The local shop verified that indeed you need the computer and offered to reimburse me for the work they did. I have yet to take them up on it (laziness from my part more than anything else).

 

[nwoods]

Here are the alignment specs and procedures for the LR3:
http://blog.nextstepdesigns.com/?p=77

The truck needs to be connected to the dealers IDS computer to place the Electronic Air Suspension (EAS), into “tight tolerance” geometry setting mode. However, I don't know what exactly that does.

 

[Robert Page]

I agree with Nathan and the others: Dealer or PROPERLY equipped alignment shop that is familiar with late model Rovers (good luck finding one!). I have an early 05 and have it aligned every 6 months at the dealer. I now have 30k on my BFG AT KOs and they are looking good for 45-50kk. Take it to your dealer for alignment quarterly. If they are not adjusting anything after the first 2 visits, extend it out to a year, but no more IMO.

Anyone know about this class action lawsuit? I sure would like my money back on those bushings and early alignments!!

 

[nwoods]

Anyone know about this class action lawsuit? I sure would like my money back on those bushings and early alignments!!

- http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/18/loud-land-rovers-land-company-in-class-action-lawsuit/

- http://www.uslaw.com/library/Class_...Rover_LR3_Judicial_Panel_Mult.php?item=425731

- http://classactiondefense.jmbm.com/2009/03/class_action_defense_casesin_r_138.html

- http://www.lemonlaws.com/2006/11/land_rover_lr3_tire_wear_class.html