Hi, Guys,
Afraid I can’t offer any constructive help for the tramlining problem, but I have noticed it on my recently acquired 51 CDX, (which is running on standard 225/55 - 16s), for the first time in many years.
Hope I do not presume too much, but thought you may like to share this old guys experiences, re this condition which mirror some of the previous comments.
The last time I experienced this phenomenon was with a two year old 1963 Zodiac MK III, with non-standard 165 x 13 radials. (normal wear being 6.40 x 13 cross plies). All big Fords at the time were notorious for tramlining when they had a few thousand miles on the clock, which was attributed to the McPherson front suspension. Did not seem to be a problem with big Vauxhalls, which had re- circulating ball steering, but double wishbone front suspension. This seems to be a general problem associated with a combination of McPherson struts and re- circulating ball steering, radial tyres and general suspension wear and tear. This was highlighted to me when in 2004, I bought a 1965 Thunderbird, which had been fitted with 225/75 - 15 radials. The handling was very vague, especially at low speeds, (as well as the harshness generated on a car not designed for radials being very cruel.) After fitting original spec 8.15 x 15 cross plies, the difference was absolutely amazing. The handling was vastly improved, (not to mention the peace and quiet.), with no signs of any tramlining. These models did not have McPherson front suspension, only English Fords at the time, so assume it was just the oversized radial tyres causing the handling problem and tendancy to tramline.
I agree with 2woody and cem. We just have to move with the times. Just a pity things never seem to get any better! It’s all happened before!
Kind regards to all.