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Tire damage due to excessive negative rear camber that can't be adjusted

32620 Views 130 Replies 44 Participants Last post by  Jonnylowkon
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On a recent road trip our 2019 RAV4 Hybrid began vibrating on the highway. We pulled over and discovered that the left rear tire was damaged as it was cupped and missing much of the inside shoulder. The rest of the tire had approx. 5/32 tread wear. (3/32 is the minimum according to the tire manufacturer) We have been getting rotations every 5K miles at the dealer. All 4 tires had similar uneven wear, the current left rear being much worse.
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We replaced it with our full size spare and took it to a dealer in the area, they attempted an alignment; however, we were told that the left rear had excessive negative camber, this was not adjustable, and something was defective. They advised that we take it to the dealer where we purchased the car to see if they could do something. (Car is still in warranty)
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The dealer where we bought it new changed the struts and springs in an attempt to increase the ride height and decrease the camber with little effect. They said that it is now just within the "Acceptable" limit from Toyota so all is OK; however, at this camber the tire wears unevenly as evidenced by the tire in the photo above. We would expect it to be in Toyota's "Recommended" or "Preferred" alignment as represented by the smaller center green range. I understand that angles out of the recommended range can cause uneven tire wear. The replacement is also starting to show similar uneven wear after less than 1,000 miles.

What does a normal alignment report on a RAV4 Hybrid look like? Has anyone else had issues with uneven tire wear?
Would be very helpful if some of you could also post pics or results of your last alignment reports if you have them.

Thanks in advance.
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Hello, new guy here. I have been reading this thread with interest and it blows my mind that this is happening. It seems to be an overall poor design by Toyota. This troubles me because I have a new Rav4 hybrid showing up the 2nd week of November.

As you all know, finding a new vehicle at this time is not easy. I was forced to do so because a suicidal deer ran into my perfectly good CR-V and totaled it. Such is life. Man, I hate reading stuff like this. In this day and age I would expect better from a major player like Toyota.
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I wouldn't worry too much about this. This thread has been going for almost 1/2 year, and there are only 1 or 2 people who have reported having had a problem with the excessive and premature tire wear on the insides of their rear tires. With the way that the internet is, if there is a problem that is very common, it will quickly draw a large number of people who report on internet forums having had the same problem.

Like with most Toyotas, the RAV4 Hybrid seems to be, for the most part, a very dependable vehicle.
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Having been on any number of forums over the years I'd have to say you are correct.

Thanks
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I spoke with godspeed and theirs is for lowered vehicles, so they said it might work. But they were not absolutely sure. It sounds like the other one should work. Give 'em a call.
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I ordered the red godspeed today. They said it's got a +/-3° range.
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Yes, for lowered vehicles. But chances are it will work for a stocker. Let us know how it goes.
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