I recently (as in a month ago) replaced all 4 tires with Michelen X-Radials, and also got the wheels balanced at the same time. I normally do an alignment immediately after I get new tires, but after doing some checking, I find that the only adjustment that alignment-shops can perform on my RWD cars (Volvo & Toyota Previa) for the hefty $59 is toe-in on the front wheels. So - I'm planning on doing it myself this time.

Before starting I wanted to see what the tire-wear pattern on the new tires were after 300 miles of driving. Tire pressure was set to spec at 35 psi. Everything looks fine except for a very-slight (and I mean VERY slight) saw-tooth pattern along both the outer-edge and inner-edge circumference of the front tires. The effect is more pronounced on the outer-edges than on the inner.

The saw-tooth angle of the outer-edge is opposite to that of the inner-edge on both tires. So: if you imagined the tire to be a thick, chunky circular-saw: you'd need to spin it counter-clockwise to cut with the outer-edge, and clockwise to cut with the inner- edge. This pattern applies identically to both tires.

SO: does this describe a toe-in problem ? Or is it the sign of something more serious ? Again - only by running your hand a couple of times along the tire-edge can I feel this - visually they appear perfect, but I know that if I dont correct it now it's going to be visible all too soon.

Thanks !

Noel