Hello Everyone,

I have a 1999 XC with 45,000 miles on it. Recently, I've noticed that the front right tire (passenger's side) tends to wear unevening. The outer edge of the tire(the side facing the curb) is wearing prematurely. I've had the alignment checked and the tires are balanced. I have seen postings on this site addressing this problem by:1) have the alignment checked or set at a specific setting or 2) the upper strut bushing may be worn, and even though the aligment checks out, the front right tire will wear on the edge. Based upon my inspection of the car, I don't think either solution applies.

Another suggestion I have seen posted, is to swap tires from the left (driver's side) so as to wear the tires evenly. I have always thought that you cannot swap radial tires from one side to the other as you can with bias belted tires. You always have to keep radials on the same side, and merely rotate them front to rear. Does anybody have any thoughts about trying to solve this problem by swapping tires from one side to the other? Thanks.

Hugh