2002 Solara suspension problems

[kirkwolf]

My Solara seems to have a suspension problem that causes tires to wear and cause a generally rough ride. I replaced the original tires at about 22k miles as they had "wear patterns" and were riding rough. At that time I also did a complete alignment.

The replacements were great at first, the ride felt smooth and quiet. I religiously had them rotated ever 5k miles, but at about 15k, I noticed what sounded like bearing noise from the rear, and the rough ride was back. The tire dealer said that there were "wear patterns" in the tires, which he rotated to the front, and did yet another alignment. For another 5k I've endured with these tires, which seem rougher and noisier each day. I've lost confidence in the tire dealer, who only offers to sell me new ones.... they are clueless and have lost my business forever.

I'm not really looking for a solution as much as a little advice.... I don't understand the technical details of what is wrong with my suspension, but I need to figure out how to go about finding a real tire/suspension expert who can figure out what's wrong. How do I go about interviewing tire dealers / shops to find a expert? Should I take it to a Toyota dealer?

As far as I know, it could be any of the following problems:

- alignment
- struts
- shocks

Thanks for any help.

[PXLpainter]

I would probably take it to a reputable service center to see if they can test your shocks. If the tires are "cupping" it could be shocks or brakes. If they are wearing evenly on the inside/outside of the tread pattern, it could be alignment.

I would go somewhere well-known - pref not the dealer. Do you belong to any car groups locally that you can ask around? Friends, coworkers, etc.?

Good luck!