Why Are My 2020 Mustang Tires Wearing Unevenly?

How to Fix Tire-Related Issues

Addressing tire-related issues is crucial for your 2020 Ford Mustang's performance and safety. Owners have reported various symptoms, ranging from unusual noises to vibrations. As one owner shared, "Had an issue myself where a window was about 1/8 of an inch off and made terrible noise," highlighting the impact seemingly small issues can have on the driving experience. [source: https://reddit.com/r/Mustang/comments/1pd5mt9/has_mustang_quality_improved/ns2pj0y/] This guide will explore potential causes and solutions to help you maintain your vehicle's tires.

Symptoms

Many 2020 Ford Mustang owners have experienced a range of symptoms related to their tires. These can manifest in different ways, affecting the vehicle's handling, comfort, and overall driving experience. Identifying these symptoms early is vital for preventing more significant issues down the road.

One common symptom reported is vibration. This can be felt through the steering wheel, seats, or even the entire car, especially at higher speeds. This vibration may indicate an imbalance in the tires, a problem with the wheels themselves, or even issues with the vehicle's suspension.

Another frequent complaint is a pulling sensation. This occurs when the car drifts to one side of the road, even when the steering wheel is held straight. Pulling can be caused by uneven tire wear, misaligned wheels, or problems with the braking system on one side of the vehicle.

Noise is another symptom that should not be ignored. Unusual sounds such as squealing, roaring, or clicking can indicate tire problems. Squealing may suggest brake issues, while roaring could point to worn-out tires or wheel bearing problems. Clicking sounds might indicate a foreign object lodged in the tire tread. As UniRaptor91 shared, "Check your windows and seals to make sure the windows close all the way. Had an issue myself where a window was about 1/8 of an inch off and made terrible noise." [source: https://reddit.com/r/Mustang/comments/1pd5mt9/has_mustang_quality_improved/ns2pj0y/]

Understeer or oversteer is also a common symptom. Understeer is when the car doesn't turn as much as the driver intends, while oversteer is when the rear of the car slides out. These handling issues can be related to tire pressure, tire wear, or the vehicle's suspension setup.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner discussions, the most likely cause of tire-related problems in the 2020 Ford Mustang is the brakes.

Issues with the braking system can directly impact the tires. For instance, a malfunctioning brake caliper can cause uneven wear on the tire, leading to vibrations and pulling. Similarly, worn brake pads or rotors can generate excessive heat, which can damage the tire and reduce its lifespan. Uneven brake wear from side to side is a common cause of pulling.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing tire-related issues often requires a combination of visual inspection and hands-on testing. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Visual Inspection: Start by examining the tires for any signs of wear and tear. Look for uneven wear patterns, such as more wear on the inside or outside edges of the tire. Also, check for cuts, bulges, or embedded objects in the tire tread.

2. Tire Pressure Check: Ensure that all tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, as indicated on the tire placard located on the driver's side doorjamb. Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to get an accurate reading.

3. Wheel Balance Check: If you're experiencing vibrations, have the wheels balanced by a professional. This involves using a specialized machine to identify and correct any imbalances in the wheel and tire assembly.

4. Wheel Alignment Check: If you notice pulling or uneven tire wear, have the wheel alignment checked and adjusted as necessary. This ensures that the wheels are properly aligned with each other and with the vehicle's chassis.

5. Brake Inspection: Inspect the brake pads, rotors, and calipers for any signs of wear or damage. Look for excessive rust, cracks, or leaks. Also, check the brake lines and hoses for any signs of leaks or damage.

6. Suspension Inspection: Examine the suspension components, such as shocks, struts, and ball joints, for any signs of wear or damage. Look for leaks, cracks, or excessive play.

Tools needed:

• Tire pressure gauge
• Jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Torque wrench
• Ruler or tread depth gauge

Step-by-Step Fix

Addressing tire issues on your 2020 Ford Mustang may involve a few different procedures, depending on the root cause. Here’s a step-by-step guide, assuming the issue stems from brake problems affecting tire wear:

1. Gather Your Supplies: Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and parts. This includes a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a socket set, new brake pads, new rotors (if needed), brake cleaner, and a torque wrench.

2. Loosen the Lug Nuts: Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you will be working on. Do not remove them completely at this stage.

3. Raise and Secure the Vehicle: Position the jack under the vehicle's frame near the wheel you will be working on. Raise the vehicle until the tire is off the ground and then securely place a jack stand under the frame for safety.

4. Remove the Wheel: Finish unscrewing the lug nuts and carefully remove the wheel from the hub. Set the wheel aside in a safe location.

5. Inspect the Brake Components: Carefully inspect the brake pads, rotors, and calipers. Look for signs of wear, damage, or leaks. If the brake pads are worn down to the wear indicators or the rotors are scored or warped, they will need to be replaced.

6. Remove the Old Brake Caliper: Disconnect the brake line from the caliper, being careful to catch any brake fluid that may spill. Remove the bolts that hold the caliper to the brake bracket and then carefully remove the caliper.

7. Remove the Old Brake Pads: Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Take note of how the pads are positioned, as this will help you install the new pads correctly.

8. Clean and Lubricate: Clean the caliper bracket with brake cleaner and then apply a thin layer of brake grease to the areas where the brake pads will make contact. This will help prevent squealing and ensure smooth operation.

9. Install New Brake Pads: Install the new brake pads into the caliper bracket, making sure they are properly seated.

10. Install New Rotors (if needed): If you are replacing the rotors, remove the old rotor and install the new one. Make sure the rotor is seated correctly on the hub.

11. Reinstall the Brake Caliper: Reinstall the brake caliper over the new brake pads and rotor (or the existing rotor if you are not replacing it). Secure the caliper to the bracket with the bolts you removed earlier. Reconnect the brake line to the caliper and tighten securely.

12. Bleed the Brakes: Bleed the brakes to remove any air that may have entered the system when you disconnected the brake line.

13. Reinstall the Wheel: Carefully reinstall the wheel onto the hub and tighten the lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle and then use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's recommended torque specification.

14. Test Drive: Take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure that the brakes are functioning properly and that there are no unusual noises or vibrations.

As one owner shared, "If you're having issues with the blizzaks, add 200lbs in the trunk. Sand bags work great but I would put them in a trash bag first so you don't get sand all over the place." — UncleKarlito [source: https://reddit.com/r/Mustang/comments/1p9rzta/first_winter_snowfall/nrebmnp/] This can help with traction in winter conditions after addressing any brake or tire wear issues.

Parts and Tools Needed

• New brake pads (part number varies depending on model)
• New brake rotors (if needed, part number varies depending on model)
• Brake cleaner
• Brake grease
• Jack
• Jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Socket set
• Torque wrench
• Brake bleeder kit (optional)

Real Owner Costs

The cost of addressing tire-related issues can vary depending on the specific problem and whether you choose to perform the repairs yourself or take the vehicle to a professional mechanic.

DIY Costs:

• Brake pads: $30-$100 per axle
• Brake rotors: $50-$200 per rotor
• Brake cleaner: $5-$10
• Brake grease: $5-$10

Professional Costs:

• Brake pad replacement: $150-$300 per axle
• Brake rotor replacement: $200-$500 per rotor
• Wheel alignment: $75-$150
• Tire balancing: $10-$25 per tire

For example, if you need to replace the front brake pads and rotors yourself, you can expect to spend between $135 and $510 on parts and supplies. If you take the vehicle to a professional mechanic, the cost could be between $350 and $800.

Prevention

Preventing tire-related issues requires regular maintenance and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you keep your 2020 Ford Mustang's tires in good condition:

• Check tire pressure regularly: Maintain the recommended tire pressure to ensure even wear and optimal performance.

• Rotate tires: Rotate the tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to promote even wear.

• Inspect tires: Regularly inspect the tires for signs of wear, damage, or embedded objects.

• Get regular wheel alignments: Have the wheel alignment checked and adjusted as needed to prevent uneven tire wear.

• Drive carefully: Avoid aggressive driving habits, such as hard braking and cornering, which can accelerate tire wear.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from FORD owners:

Owner Experiences

"Before all of this modern technology, we had snow, and we had crappy bias ply tires, and we had rear wheel drive. I drove my 13 GT through 4 Midwest winters on all season tires, only getting stuck once, in a foot of snow." — KungPaoKidden (source)

"I drove my 13 GT through 4 Midwest winters on all season tires, only getting stuck once, in a foot of snow. People, you will be fine." — KungPaoKidden (source)

"If you're having issues with the blizzaks, add 200lbs in the trunk. Sand bags work great but I would put them in a trash bag first so you don't get sand all over the place." — UncleKarlito (source)

Real Repair Costs

"I'm sure people do it, but no, so new wheels/tires are needed. I just think I might be able to get something I can just get in & drive for $30K." — Puzzleheaded_Pipe979 (source)

"I had a feeling that’s what it was gonna come down to. But man… I just spent $5k in the last 12 months on new wheels, tires, and door frames (they were leaking in water)." — laflame93 (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix tire-related brake issues?

A: Replacing brake pads and rotors can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on your experience level. Wheel alignment and balancing can take an additional 1 to 2 hours.

Q: Can I drive with tire problems?

A: It is generally not recommended to drive with tire problems, as it can be dangerous. Uneven tire wear, vibrations, and pulling can affect the vehicle's handling and braking performance. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to have the vehicle inspected and repaired as soon as possible. As The_Lawler warns, not addressing tire issues could lead to further problems. [source: https://reddit.com/r/Mustang/comments/1pa9mqt/can_i_run_it_punctured_tire_track_day_follow_up/nrhwaqy/]

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2020 Ford Mustang?

A: Tire wear issues relating to brake problems can be common on the 2020 Ford Mustang, particularly if the vehicle is driven aggressively or if maintenance is neglected. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Replacing brake pads and rotors is a relatively straightforward task that can be performed by a DIY mechanic with some experience. However, wheel alignment and balancing require specialized equipment and are best left to a professional. If you are not comfortable performing the repairs yourself, it is always best to take the vehicle to a qualified mechanic.