Front tyres worn in the centre using "normal" pressures - 06 2.7TDi Avant fwd

[chilledgibbo]

I'm bit bemused to notice that my front tyres have worn in the middle despite running on the recommended normal pressures of 2.6bar. I'm running Michelin Pilot Sport 4s on the front and PS3s on the rear (at 2.2bar) with 245/40 r18 y xl.

I'm need to change all four and wondered if it's worth getting PS4s again to replace all, but worried whether they might wear in the middle again, even on normal pressures. I've got about 25,000 miles from the front and about 45,000 from the rear PS3s, mainly motorway and usual commuter runs with the occasional Italian tune-up.

At the moment, I'm still considering PS4s, as I'm a bit dubious on alternatives. It is a good tyre and always feels surefooted and, being C rated for fuel, has improved mpg. With the PS3s on the rear the tread has sawtoothed, so I get that horrible droning howl. I hope to avoid that with next set.

Does anyone know why the middles on the fronts have worn with normal pressures?

Should I stick with PS4s or go for something else?

Appreciate your thoughts.

Cheers.

[Gazwould]

Strange , I've always gone slightly north of 40 psi and have yet to ever experience center wear .

[C6Allroad]

Have you had a 4 wheel alignment done? 'Sawtoothing' would suggest that something is not right at the rear for a start. Unusual tyre wear can also be a result of worn shock absorbers and/or other worn suspension parts.

[smaugc6]

I’m just going to ask the obvious but how are you checking the pressures.
I have a 2.7 and run barum bravuris 3hm tyres 24540 18 xl 97y and I run 40 front 34 rear. I’ve had a few sets of these so I’ve done some trial and error to get the pressure/ wear just right. Also I think for just motorway Michelin’s are wasted I ran ps3 on mine till I changed to barums and they have good grip and cost half the price but lasted 30% longer.

[swalker]

is it a stripped out racer at half the weight?

[chilledgibbo]

I had a closer look with a coin and it does seem that there is also wear towards the inside edge. On the rear the wear is a bit towards the outside. Looks like a four wheel alignment is in order.