Thread: Tyres scalloping (cupping) Causes?

Hi Everyone
Over the Xmas break I noticed my 2013 Defender 110 was making a sort of clicking rotational noise at around 80 km/h. Mechanic said the rear tyres were scalloped (also called cupping) and should be replaced. The tyre seller rotated and balanced them and the noise went away but he agreed with the diagnosis of scalloping and said it was probably due to worn shock absorbers. I then took it to a specialist shock absorber installer/repairer and asked them about options for replacing the shocks. They said the shocks were fine, with at least another 50000 km on them. Current odometer is 102000 km and the shock absorbers are the originals from new.
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The tyres are LT235/85/16 from a reputable and well known brand. They have 44,000 km on them and are about 4.5 years old. The scalloping is pronounced on the inner edge. Apart from the scalloping, the tyres seem to be wearing evenly across the tyre and the tyres from a quick look seem to have the same tread depth. i've been generally happy with the tyres except that over the last year or so, the ride has been getting bouncy and the overall noise level has increased (the increase in noise could be because they are around or past their half life).

Anyway, I would be interested in whether anyone knows what might be causing the scalloping and also whether the OEM shock absorbers are a satisfactory match for the light truck tyres that I have.

Thanks in advance

Usually pressure or alignment. How are all the bushes?
Aggressive tread paterns are more prone to scalloping.