2020 Dodge Challenger Tire Wear & Flat Spot Fix

Problem Overview

While the topic "Tires Problem" is broad, analysis of owner discussions reveals that the core issue often isn't the tire itself. Instead, owners frequently mistake symptoms from other vehicle systems—like suspension, exhaust, or body panels—for a tire-related problem. Complaints about noises, vibrations, or handling issues that are initially blamed on tires often trace back to separate mechanical failures or loose components. This article synthesizes real owner experiences to help you accurately diagnose the root cause of what you perceive as a "tire problem" and outlines the confirmed solutions.

Common Indicators

Owners reporting a "tires problem" typically describe one or more of the following symptoms, though the ultimate cause is rarely the tire's tread or air pressure. Based on 11 community discussions, the most common indicators are:

1. Rumbling or Grinding Noises: This is the most frequently reported symptom. Owners often describe a persistent, loud rumbling sound that increases with vehicle speed, leading them to suspect bad wheel bearings or uneven tire wear.
2. Vibrations Felt Through the Steering Wheel or Floorboard: Vibrations at certain speeds (often highway speeds) are commonly mistaken for tire balance or alignment issues.
3. Scraping or Metal-on-Metal Sounds: A distinct, alarming scraping noise, sometimes only present during turns or over bumps, is frequently reported.
4. Perceived "Wobble" or Instability: A feeling that the vehicle is not tracking straight or feels loose, which drivers naturally associate with tires and steering.

Why This Happens

The diagnostic confusion happens because symptoms from failing components in the wheel well or undercarriage transmit vibrations and noises through the chassis that feel identical to tire issues. Based on owner reports and their confirmed fixes, here are the actual root causes:

1. Failed Wheel Bearing: This is a leading culprit for a loud rumbling or growling noise that changes with speed. A bad bearing creates friction and vibration that can be felt throughout the vehicle, perfectly mimicking the sensation of a severely misshapen tire. It is a wear item that eventually fails on all vehicles.
2. Loose or Damaged Exhaust System: A surprisingly common fix. The exhaust pipe, particularly where it passes near the rear axle or suspension, can come loose from its hangers or develop a break. When it sags or vibrates, it can contact the driveshaft, frame, or body, causing a dramatic rumbling, scraping, or banging that seems to come from the wheels.
3. Detached or Damaged Body Panels: Specifically, the inner fender liner (also called the wheel well liner) or the fender itself. These plastic or metal panels can come loose from their clips or fasteners after contact with road debris or during minor impacts. A dangling liner or a bent fender edge will rub against the rotating tire, creating a rapid, rhythmic scraping or tearing sound that is easily misdiagnosed.
4. Other Suspension Components: While less frequent in this specific dataset, worn suspension parts like tie rod ends, ball joints, or control arm bushings can cause vibrations and instability that feel tire-related.

Repair Options

Solutions should be pursued in order of diagnostic simplicity and cost, starting with a thorough visual inspection. Always ensure your tire pressure is correct and tread is not visibly damaged as a first step.

1. Comprehensive Visual and Physical Inspection (DIY - $0 Cost)

Recommended First Step. Before buying any parts, get the vehicle safely off the ground (using jack stands). Manually check these high-probability items:

• Spin the Tires: With the wheel off the ground, spin each tire by hand. Listen for grinding (bearing) and visually check for anything rubbing. Have an assistant turn the steering wheel to check for rubbing at full lock.
• Inspect the Exhaust: Shake the exhaust system firmly along its length. Listen for rattles and look for any section that is visibly loose, broken, or close to contacting the driveshaft, frame, or axle.
• Check Fender Liners and Body Panels: Look inside all four wheel wells. Push and pull on the plastic fender liners. Check for missing push-clips, torn plastic, or bent metal edges of the quarter panel or fender that are in close proximity to the tire.
• Check for Play in Wheels: With the wheel off the ground, grip it at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and try to rock it. Excessive play indicates a bad wheel bearing.

2. Repair Loose/Damaged Exhaust (DIY to Shop - $20 to $300+)

If the exhaust is the source, fixes range from simple to complex.

• Re-hang Exhaust: A loose exhaust may simply need a new rubber hanger ($10-$20) re-installed. This is a very cheap and common fix.
• Exhaust Repair/Replacement: If a bracket is broken or a section of pipe is cracked, it may require welding or replacement of a section. Muffler shop labor rates apply here.

3. Secure or Replace Fender Liners / Body Panels (DIY to Shop - $15 to $500+)

If a liner is rubbing, this is often an easy fix.

• Re-secure Liner: A pack of assorted fender liner push-clips or screws can be purchased for under $15. Re-attach the liner to its mounting points.
• Trim or Replace Liner: If the liner is torn or deformed, you can carefully trim the damaged section with utility shears or replace the entire liner. A new liner part can cost $50-$150.
• Body Panel Adjustment: If the actual metal fender or quarter panel is bent and rubbing, it may require professional bodywork to pull and reshape, which is significantly more expensive.

4. Replace Wheel Bearing/Hub Assembly (Advanced DIY or Shop - $100 to $400 per wheel)

This is a mechanical repair. If the bearing has play or makes a consistent growl, replacement is necessary.

• Parts Cost: A wheel bearing/hub assembly typically costs between $80 and $250 for the part, depending on the vehicle and whether it's a pressed bearing or a complete hub unit.
• Labor: This job requires specialized tools (large socket, torque wrench, often a press). Shop labor can add $150-$250 per wheel. It is a frequently successful fix for the rumbling noise complaint.

Real Owner Reports

The community experiences highlight the diagnostic journey from a perceived "tire problem" to the actual fix:

• One owner reported a "grinding noise from rear tire," fearing a bad bearing. After extensive checks, they discovered the exhaust pipe had slipped from its hanger and was resting on the rear axle. Re-securing the exhaust cost nothing and solved the issue immediately.
• Multiple owners described a "loud rumbling at 45+ mph" that felt like it was coming from a front wheel. In these cases, the confirmed fix was a failed front wheel bearing. Replacement of the hub assembly eliminated the noise and vibration.
• A distinct case involved a "scratching sound from the front when turning." The owner initially suspected a stuck brake caliper. The actual cause was the inner fender liner, which had come loose after hitting road debris and was flapping against the tire. Securing it with new clips solved the problem.
• Another report of a "vibration and wobble" was traced not to the tires, but to a bent rim from a pothole impact, which is a tire-adjacent but separate issue requiring rim repair or replacement.

What Owners Paid

Costs vary dramatically based on the root cause and who does the work.

• DIY (Exhaust Hanger / Fender Liner): As little as $10 to $50 for clips, fasteners, or a simple exhaust clamp.
• DIY (Wheel Bearing): $80 to $250 for the part, plus potential tool rental/purchase.
• Professional Repair (Muffler Shop): To re-hang or weld a section of exhaust, owners reported costs from $100 to $300.
• Professional Repair (Wheel Bearing): At a repair shop or dealership, the total cost for one wheel bearing replacement, including parts and labor, commonly falls in the range of $250 to $400 per wheel.
• Professional Repair (Body Panel): Repairing a bent fender or quarter panel through a body shop is the most expensive path, often starting at $500+ depending on paintwork.

Key Takeaway: The perceived "tires problem" is rarely solved by buying new tires. A methodical, low-cost inspection of the exhaust, fender liners, and wheel bearings will almost always reveal the true—and often less expensive—culprit.

Source Summary: This analysis is based on 11 owner discussions from Reddit and automotive forums.