Proper Checking of Ball joints/uneven tread wear

[gordigglesworth]

First off thanks for looking at this post. I just found the forum and look forward to using it for a long time.

 

I've got a 2010 Silverado, reg cab w/t, 8 ft bed, 4.3/auto. It's got 48k on it. I noticed today the inner 2 or 3" of the front tires are worn really bad. Both fronts are about as severely worn, where there's probably 1/2 a life left in the main tread and the rears are perfectly even. I purchased an extended warranty, but I'm affraid to take it to the dealer and have them try to nail me with a huge bill if its just alignment or something stupid. Also, the truck does pull to the right really gently, barely enough to be noticable.

 

I bought the truck new, so I know it's never been wrecked. I used to work in an area with alot of potholes though, thats about the only thing close to abuse I can think the truck has ever seen.

 

Anyhow, I was wondering what the proper techniques are to check a balljoint, tierods, etc. I know to throw the truck in the air and wiggle the tire, but I'm wondering if theres a better way to check everything out. I'm going to take it in for an alignment, but I want to make sure thats my problem. My wife rides in the truck alot and I just want it to be safe. I don't have a ton of cash right now so I'd prefer to check it myself.

 

Thanks for any advice you might have.

[jrbartholomew]

our 07 hoe had the same problem but just the left front. i too have an gm extended warranty. i got a coupon of the dealership web sight for a 69$ alignment. i figured if something was worn i would use my warranty, they found it just needed the alignment. good luck

jeff

[gordigglesworth]

Thanks. Makes me feel a little better about it