Dodgy Suspension Geometry...?

[MickM]

A couple of years back I was getting some dodgy tyre wear and after several wheel alignments not much had changed. I thought of upgrading the bushes but opted for the cheap option, replacing the lower arms with a set of ebay specials complete with new rubber bushes and ball joints. I then bought a set of alloys complete with new tyres. By the next MOT time the front right tyre had scrubbed the inner edge down to the cords and I was forced to replace it despite the fact that the main part of the tread was still in excess of 6mm. 12 months on (probably less than 5000 miles) and the tyre is once again almost completely shot. Despite correct alignment something is causing this tyre to drastically wear the inside edge. When I've looked at it sat on the ramp there is a slight camber but no more than any of the other wheels and nothing that would give that kind of wear. I can only assume that the geometry is out so when the wheels are turned the camber becomes excessive and the tyre wears badly...?

So... what do you reckon...?

I'm just about ready to buy a set of Powerflex bushes as I suspect the replacements that were fitted to the new lower arms were made from recycled condoms.

Question: Does the anti roll bar have any direct influence on lateral suspension geometry..? I know in many cars it doesn't as it is only conected to the lower arm via a skinny drop link but on the Calibra it connects directly.

[Stupink]

Alright mick, hows things?

Is it just your right side then? the left is fine?

Does sound a bit strange. when you had the geometry tested was it just alignment? or full 4wheel laser check? with track width and wheelbase etc?? have you got a printout you could upload?

[MickM]

Hi Stu... thought I'd pop in and say hello. You voted for my girly poem in the waffle section yet...? Plus it's MOT time and I need advice on a few things...

Had both 2 and 4 wheel done. The last one cost me over £50 at a place that does full setups on Ferraris and stuff...!!! Not sure if I've still got the printout...

[matty0785]

if its wearing the inside edge it can only be front toe or camber problems if it is the camber then you are able to buy camber bolts that go into the strut not sure where u get them though

[MickM]

Shouldn't need camber bolts (not heard of them before...?). Everything is standard and so if the geometry is incorrrect then there's something not right and that's what needs correcting. My only thought is that the lower arm is shifting slightly in the bushes when turning...? Can't work out why it's only on the one side...!!!?

[Stupink]

It's a wierd one, I think you need to get the car up on a 4post lift or front safely jacked up, so you can have a good wiggle about.

[Phantom]

just an idea, but have you checked your strut tops for wear?

[matty0785]

well i fitted camber bolts to the front struts on mine just to get it set perfect dunno where the boss got them though