How do I...

[Mayday5]

How do I know if my struts are going bad? I have an 08 mkv gti with 60,000 miles. The tires on it are only about 10,000-12,000 miles old and they have severe cupping on the inside of the back tires. I have always rotated on schedule and got an alignment about 5000 to 7000 miles ago. VW dealership never mentioned anything, they just said to replace the tires when I asked them to rotate them. They never mentioned anything about the suspension. Went to tire shop and they showed me the cupping. I told them the age of the tires and they said it might be due to the struts going bad. Is this true? Should I just get new tires and an alignment or should I just get a new suspension, new tires and an alignment?

Any help is appreciated, thank you.

 

[trabbit]

Pics of tires? Is it more of flat spots in different areas, or just worn out on the inside?

 

[Mayday5]

sorry, I haven't had a chance to get pics yet. Though it is not flat spots in different areas. They are worn out on the inside of the tires. And I didn't understand why since the tires were still somewhat new, but shouldn't have been worn yet. They are just worn on the inside of the back tires

 

[shinta]

you'll feel it when your shocks go bad. when your car going over a bump, you will oscilate up and down a few times before it settles down.

 

[Mayday5]

Ok I'll try and check for that. I just don't want to buy new tires and have those go bad too. Thank you

 

[Mayday5]

is it possible that I just went too long without an alignment? i am driving around and do not feel anything in the suspension that is out of the ordinary. it doesn't bounce, the ride is still firm and everything. i did more research and people said a tell tale sign is that it starts bouncing more and that it is noticeable. The car still feels firm and normal. Did I just go too long without an alignment? how often should i get an alignment to prevent this from happening? i get the tires rotated every service interval like the manual states. thanks

 

[ROH ECHT]

Could've been alignment. But, if any part of the suspension is worn, the inside as described "cupped", can be a result. It can be anything from worn connections to bad dampers(shocks/struts). And even, though rarer, poorly balanced tires. Dampers will bounce more than recover when bad. Also a sign of leaking fluid means they are done. But cupping can happen without feeling a difference and is more likely due to alignment or loose bushings. It happened to me once shortly after replacing the tires and having it aligned, but all it takes is a good bump or two. So you just gotta keep an eye out on the wear as you go.

Check 'Cupping';
http://www.procarcare.com/includes/content/resourcecenter/encyclopedia/ch25/25readtirewear.html