ZX rear OS wheel rubbing wheel arch

Keith J · Unread post by **Keith J** » 13 Jun 2010, 11:22

Hi I have a problem as described in the title. I have an N reg 1.9 ZX elation estate and the inner sidewall of the tyre is rubbing a part of the wheel arch particularly when the car is loaded. It makes a squeak which sounds as if it's inside the car so it took some time to locate the source. Obviously this isn't right. I wanted to ask if this was a common fault if a shock absorber has failed or is it likely to be another fault? BTW there are no carbuncles etc on the tyre that are doing it.

I cannot see any obvious fault with either shock such as leaks etc but I need to do some longish drives soon. Any advice greatly appreciated on this and any pitfalls on shock replacement on a zx estate.

Unread post by **RichardW** » 13 Jun 2010, 15:49

The bearings are knackered in the trailing arm pivot. They can be replaced but it's a real 'mare job - better just to fit another rear subframe complete.

Keith J · Unread post by **Keith J** » 13 Jun 2010, 17:16

Thanks for the reply. I will investigate that. Cheers.

Unread post by **Dommo** » 13 Jun 2010, 17:37

You'll find that if the rear trailing arm bearings are knackered - which it sounds as though they are in this case - the rear wheels will have a lot of negative camber, so the top leans in towards the car.

If you look at the car from behind at a distance, you'll probably notice the rear wheels looking like this:

/----\

As apposed to:

|----|

Keith J · Unread post by **Keith J** » 13 Jun 2010, 18:51

They look just like that. Thanks.