I noticed this:

on the outer edge of the tires on my dad's RX 350 today and thought that it was 'feathering' but then a quick google revealed that this is actually what feathering is:



so on his tires it seems to be sideways feathering



Does this have a name? More importantly, though, is this a tire defect or an alignment problem?

BTW: the raised portion of the tread block (where the arrows are) is the forward side of the tread block..... in other words the tire in this picture will rotate clockwise.


Thanks as always!

 

alignment problem. U should get it fixed asap.

 

yup or the actual steel lines will start to fray then blow your tire out or create a bubble

 

just looked at my moms RX350 and all 4 of her tires are doing the same thing... Hard to believe both cars have the same alignment problem but hers is going in for service Monday so I'll have her get them to check it out

 

Don't confuse block lateral feathering with heel toe feathering.
The direction of the the feather shows the direction of the squirm forces.

Heel toe feathers is a fore/aft force oscillation caused by caster and camber.
The picture [lateral feather] is caused by toe oscillation.

Both types are the result of tire blocks not be stiff/strong enough to dampen oscillation. Also the rubber in suspension being soft to improve ride harshness.

Problems get worse as suspension ages and gets away from NOMINAL and towards limits of warranty range.

 

Can you be more elaborate. I have the same issue he has on the rx350 on the inside of my new front tires. Which is component is causing the problem?