Front Tyres

[froggy]

Hi, my S1 Xantia, I have changed "P" bushes and lower arm bushes , after finding the front tyres were wearing on outside edges. So replaced the front bushes, two new tyres, balanced, tracked.......one "MONTH" on..2000 miles miles later........now the inside edges are wearing, I have lost about 25m/m of tread on the inside of both tyres. Iam unsure what to do next, as it is costing me a fortune in front tyres, Iam hoping someone can HELP ! Terry.

[myglaren]

Did you align the 'P' bushes correctly Terry?
There have been some fairly recent post concerning how critical this is.
I think James (HellRazor) was the last one that was involved with this and I'm sure he will be able to offer some guidance on the subject.

[Hell Razor5543]

I replaced both the wishbones on Gracie, as I was advised by several people it was much easier (and cost effective) to get new wishbones with the bushes already fitted, than to try and fit the bushes yourself. You have to get the old ones off (not a quick job), and then get the 'P' bushes back on correctly (and that is not at all easy), otherwise they will be loaded incorrectly, and quit within a short distance. When you fit the wishbones do not do the bolts up tightly until the car is level, otherwise the 'o' bush (at the front) will again be incorrectly loaded, and won't last long. Tighten them up enough to hold, lower the car back onto level ground, set the suspension to normal ride height, and then tighten up the bolts to the correct torque.

[chinkostu]

Of course doing it correctly involves using ramps so as to have access to do up the nuts!

When mine are due i think i'll swap the arms over instead, much easier

[Stickyfinger]

Or use a Ramp/workshop rental place.....ideal for that type of job.

?? is the critical final tightening up procedure not the same for new wishbones ??

[Peter.N.]

Sounds as though your wheels are towing out considerably. Get it checked by someone who knows what they are doing. You can get a pretty accurate guide by cutting a length of bamboo cane or similar so that it just touches the tyres on the front inside edge level with the bottom of the wheels, then transfer it to the back, I would suspect that you won't be able to get it in. Adjust the tracking until the distance between the front and back of the wheels is the same or slightly more at the rear.

I used a length of electrical conduit metal tube with a threaded rod inside it and adjust the length to produce the above results. I have been using this for about 40 years and never have trouble with uneven tyre wear.

Peter

[froggy]

Cheers , great advice..

[chinkostu]

Or use a Ramp/workshop rental place.....ideal for that type of job.

?? is the critical final tightening up procedure not the same for new wishbones ??

Yea, just without the misaligned bushes :p

[Northern_Mike]

?? is the critical final tightening up procedure not the same for new wishbones ??

It is the same but the while job is a lot less hassle if you're just whizzing new complete arms on.

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[Hell Razor5543]

If the 'P' bush is not correctly fitted it will not last long (I have read less than 2,000 miles), which is hassle. Sparksie (an Irish mechanic and forum member) had several goes at getting the 'P' bushes fitted correctly, and he has the tools and knowledge. That is why I went the full wishbone route.

[handyman]

In amongst the Citroen service tool kit, there is a gauge to help align the rear 'P' bush when its being replaced & refitted. I know who has one.

After you changed all the bushes, did you not get the tracking checked & if needed, reset? Its almost a prerequisite to being done after disturbing any components on the front suspension & steering.

If everything is correct, regarding the bushes, it might be worth checking that the strut tops are in good condition. If they are failing, they will change the camber angle, cause the wheels to splay & cause advanced inner tyre wear.

H

[froggy]

resolved......near side ball joint kaputt !