Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Varche]

Woe.

Just checked over the Omega before sending it off to the airport. The front tyres are trashed on the INNER edges particularly the near side wheel( down to wire!) . Always happens on good tyres never on the bald ones.

I changed the wheel for the spare and sent it off. Before doing so, checked for obvious play. Two possibilities.

1. The wheel bearing seemed possibly at fault as there is discernible movement on it at both 6 and 12 or 9o'clock and 3.... Looked in Haynes and changing a wheel bearing will be beyond me without a huge torque wrench and possibly a hub puller. Are they expensive to get done at a garage? What should I expect?

2. With the wheel off, shaking the disc 9 and 3 o'clock, I could see the steering assembly underneath the car "moving upwards" i.e. if it was a rack the whole lot looks as though it is moving horizontally upwards a few mm's. Is that normal?

When it comes back later today, I will have a closer look. Any suggestions as to what to look for?

olive

[TheBoy]

Inner shoulder wear is more likely to be a huge camber issue - get the geometry checked!!

[TheBoy]

And, additionally, the Omega has a too wide tolerance setting - 1 to 2 degrees, it should probably be nearer 1 degree than 2.

Check this site - http://www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk - and speak to Tony on their forum. Obviously you can't visit him, but he may be able to give advice on settings to give to your Spanish geometry people.

[Varche]

That was my first thought. But what could have caused a load of negative camber all of a sudden?

If a steering arm ball joint has gone wouldn't that cause both front wheels to Toe out?

olive

[TheBoy]

That was my first thought. But what could have caused a load of negative camber all of a sudden?

If a steering arm ball joint has gone wouldn't that cause both front wheels to Toe out?

olive

Camber adjustment is only true thing that can. Admittedly, excessive toe may have a small effect on camber.

Where the old tyres more worn on inside edge?

[Varche]

Possibly. I can't say I noticed as it isn't easy to see the inside edges under normal circumstances.

[Varche]

Right, car back.

Have had both front wheels off, cleaned and greased everything and checked wheel bearings and steering components as best I could. Also checked for any damage that could have created suspension geometry change - None apparent.

Hot culprit is N/S wheel bearing, there is discernable movement.

will take to my friendly independent garage tomorrow for expert opinion.

Any suggestions (in £ pounds) for replacing a bearing inc labour please?

olive

[TheBoy]

Retail price for bearing is scary. Pattern around £30 - £45.  I watched MDTM do one on mine, probably took 30 mins, that included drinking tea, and eating chocolat biscuits, neatly arranged in a posh fashion on a china plate

[Varche]

Thanks. Presumably nothing less than Royal Doulton china.

Looks like it will be another 182 euros for another pair of 225 Nexens as well.

olive

[Varche]

Top marks to The Boy

The garage thoroughly checked everything over while I watched. Wishbone bushes, wheel bearings, steering components, Top mounts. Conclusion geometry problem. No charge. Get camber and toe in/out checked .Nearest recommended garage that does geometry is 20 miles away.

Will ask for some advice from Tony at Wheels in Motion as suggested.

Haynes manual says:-

Camber -1.40' + or - 45'
Toe in    - 0.10 + or - 10'

with vehicle loaded (70 Kg weight in each front seat and a full tank of fuel!!!!)

I would hope the garage has the proper data for all cars!

olive

[Kevin Wood]

The specs for camber in particular can be quite wide on some alignment machines -2.5 degrees or more for the upper limit. Make sure they set them at or as close as possible to the specified values rather then just measure them and say they're "within limits".

Kevin