Take a look at this tire...need advice

[cwrandolph]

Working on my 2013 Explorer. I have been hearing road noise - sort of growling or rumbling. It has a beat corresponding to the speed of the vehicle and I can feel it very slightly in the steering wheel. I have convinced myself that it's the front passenger wheel bearing so I removed the wheel and planned on replacing the bearing/hub tomorrow. I have been fooled by noisy tires in the past so I inspected it closely. These tires are nearing the end of their life (not quite down to the wear bars yet). The marks in the picture are pretty much all the way around the tire. This is the inside edge of the tire. Early stages of cupping? Everything seems tight and all tires are wearing evenly. Thanks in advance for any advice.

exp tire2 111924.jpg

[gbranham]

I'd replace the wheel bearing if it's indeed bad, and then get a good front end alignment.