Uneven tyre wear

JohnGT · Post by **JohnGT** » 15 Oct 2002, 18:54

I have a small problem with the rear tyres on my 1993 2.0i VSX Xantia. Both seem to be wearing excessively on the inside - the o/s tyre is 6 months old and is down to just over 2mm on the inside but still has a load of tread left on the outside. The n/s tyre was worn in the same pattern, but bald in a strip about 1.5cm wide all around the inside (generally more worn and needed replacing anyway btw).
Tracking is fine, no play in the wheels and the suspension was seen to about 12 months ago.
Any ideas on what may be causing it or has anyone had a similar problem?

Niek · Post by **Niek** » 15 Oct 2002, 19:02

Hi John,
When you say suspension was seen to does that imply that it can't be the rear swing arm bearings? Because that's what it sounds like to me.
Niek.

JohnGT · Post by **JohnGT** » 16 Oct 2002, 03:50

Hi Niek
I didn't mean that actually!! More that the spheres are fairly new and in good condition.
Is the swinging arm bearing a difficult job then?

spanners · Post by **spanners** » 16 Oct 2002, 04:03

not so much difficult as expensive if the arms are that worn that they are wearing tyres they are probably U/S need new andyspares sell recon units (will need to know if has abs and RP no) about £100 i think if in stock. what is mileage if high worth checking bearings anyway.

shaunthesheep · Post by **shaunthesheep** » 16 Oct 2002, 04:24

JOHN,
doing the bearing job isn't too hard, but the things that you WILL NEED are: 24mm deep socket, long screwdriver or simiar @ 12-18" length - to knock out old bearing races, TWO trolly jacks, one to raise the arm up & still under the car as well as axle stands & one to support the arm, the help of an assistant, OH YES AND LOTS OF STREGTH <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>.
me + 1 replaced both sides and fitted grease nipples in about 7 hours.
if there is anyhing else, let me know
dom

NiSk · Post by **NiSk** » 16 Oct 2002, 12:31

Before you start tearing your car to pieces, check that it really is the rear trailing arm bearings! Others have discovered that uneven tyre wear isn't always due to just that fault.
Park the car on your drive or in a carpark where the surface is level and you have a bit of space behind. Raise the car to its highest position then take afew steps back behind the car (about 10 yards). If the rear wheels are inclined inwards at the top (negative camber) you've probably got worn bearings. To make sure, jack up the rear of the car, put it on stands, put the car in it's lowest position and check that you can move each wheel up and down through its full travel, then try moving the wheel sideways to see if there's any free play.
If the wheels don't travel up and down freely or there is free lateral play, the bearings need replacement.
//NiSk

JohnGT · Post by **JohnGT** » 16 Oct 2002, 16:00

Thanks all - I think its going to have to get checked over. If it does turn out to be rear trailing arm bearings, I doubt my mechanical skills will stretch to doing them!