strange tire wear

after approx. 25,000mls on my 2000 XJ I noticed some tire noise - it turned out that the front diver side tire was badly worn with high and low spots on the inside (making a noise like a mud tire) - yes I am guilty of not rotating the tires, but the pressure was OK and only that 1 tire is worn like that - I had some steering vibration around 50mph from day one but I figured that's OK

can it just be a badly balanced tire ? - I can't see any steering adjustment problems as it is only 1 tire
I swapped the spare tire but don't want to just wear that one off, too

anything I can check for ?

Manfred

Cupping

Cupping is usually caused by a bad shock or an out of balance tire. It can be caused by other suspension problems such as loose ball joints. However with 25,000 miles with no balancing I would start there. Keep on Jeepin'.

No vibration should be left as normal, as your security is first and serious damage to some parts could be taking place.

Also have the toe-in checked

couldnt a worn bearing hub give a similar wear pattern?
mike

wouldn't the incorrect toe-in effect both front tires ?

it's still under warranty, so I guess I will have the dealer check on it