Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure; Troubleshooting; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL
General Maintenance Action
MEL; Aircraft; Procedure
During preflight; I found an unusual wear pattern on the #3 main tire (RH inboard). I took a photograph of the wear; showed it to the CA; and we agreed that it would be prudent to call maintenance. Both the mechanic who answered the radio when I called it in as well as the mechanic who came out to inspect it both said it was a 'common problem' and 'known issue' with the MAX; specifically the #3 tire; and the mechanic who came to the airplane added that in his opinion it's really a landing gear design issue. Maintenance ultimately ended up issuing a deferral item for the tire; deferring replacement until later (but still flagging it for replacement).Guidance in the AOM on tire wear is unclear whether the plies are body plies or tread reinforcement plies. If they are body plies; maintenance managed to convince us to depart with an aircraft that; per the AOM guidance; had an unserviceable tire.Example photos or a more detailed diagram might provide more clarity. And while tires are expensive and the Max has indeed had a number of high-profile 'issues'; if a tire is unserviceable per our own guidance; it should be replaced; whether this is a 'known issue' or not.
B737 MAX 8 First Officer reported finding unusual wear on a main tire which maintenance deferred for a later replacement.  First Officer was informed that it was a known problem.