Uneven, excessive tyre wear

[James Bekker]

I have BFG tyres on my 230GE, and I noticed that that the outer edges of the front tyres show excessive wear (about 2 cm wide). I thought that the pressure is too low, but then one would expect wear on both edges. Experts around the braai fire mentioned "camber", and I took her (the G) to a workshop which I know has a good reputation. The technician said camber problems usually result in wear on the inner edges. They had the vehicle on the ramp and tested everything, but nothing was out, not camber, not tow-in, nothing. I even received a certificate as prove, and it cost me R285-00. I am saving for a frame.

The tyre pressure is currently at 2.8, and I mainly travel on tar (unfortunately, I promise to rectify soon). What is strange, is that these edges are apparently not in contact with the surface, at least when the vehicle is static. I did not check when she is cruising, because it can be dangerous.

I do not have any idea why this happens. Can you G-people please give me advice?

[munga]

I have BFG tyres on my 230GE, and I noticed that that the outer edges of the front tyres show excessive wear (about 2 cm wide). I thought that the pressure is too low, but then one would expect wear on both edges. Experts around the braai fire mentioned "camber", and I took her (the G) to a workshop which I know has a good reputation. The technician said camber problems usually result in wear on the inner edges. They had the vehicle on the ramp and tested everything, but nothing was out, not camber, not tow-in, nothing. I even received a certificate as prove, and it cost me R285-00. I am saving for a frame.

The tyre pressure is currently at 2.8, and I mainly travel on tar (unfortunately, I promise to rectify soon). What is strange, is that these edges are apparently not in contact with the surface, at least when the vehicle is static. I did not check when she is cruising, because it can be dangerous.

I do not have any idea why this happens. Can you G-people please give me advice?

How is your cornering speed?

What size tires are you running?

What settings did your tire shop use?

How are your suspension joints, draglinks, tierod ends?

The G does tend to wear my fronts on the outer edges too. I run 2.8 bar too.

[Andrew]

I agree not to check it whilst travelling!

1.Camber is indeed not adjustable and if the camber is out it probably means your kingpin bearings or wheel bearings are sagging but then your tyres theoretically should wear on the inside edge.

2.To check tyre pressure (remember this is specific to the tyre size you use because different sizes have different footprints). Draw a line across the tyre with a china marker and drive on flat tar or concrete. The chalkline will wear out evenly across the tread at the correct pressure.

3.A general front axle heads up IMO: On a flat surface, engage the handbrake and try to turn one front wheel at a time by hand, while observing the axle. There should be no forward and backwards movement of the axle. If so then the big bushes on the long arms are kaput and this causes wear on the outside of your tyre. But it is in my experience a "saw tooth" kind of wear ie not smooth.

4. You are cornering too hard / your front shocks may be a bit soft.

Good luck.

[Pete460332]

I agree not to check it whilst travelling!


3.A general front axle heads up IMO: On a flat surface, engage the handbrake and try to turn one front wheel at a time by hand, while observing the axle. There should be no forward and backwards movement of the axle. If so then the big bushes on the long arms are kaput and this causes wear on the outside of your tyre. But it is in my experience a "saw tooth" kind of wear ie not smooth.



Good luck.

Nice tip , I must remember that for future!

[amzimmy]

Some tire wear references:

amzimmy

[James Bekker]

Thank you Andrew, munga, amzimmy for your answers and suggestions.
I have BFG A/T tyres, 30-9.5-R15.
I doubt if I corner too fast, I usually go slow. I'll do points 2 and 3 suggested by Andrew. The worn profile on my tyres looks like the "Cupped edges" on the second thumb nail posted by amzimmy.

(The word "prove" in my original post should be "proof"... )

[James Bekker]

3.A general front axle heads up IMO: On a flat surface, engage the handbrake and try to turn one front wheel at a time by hand, while observing the axle. There should be no forward and backwards movement of the axle. If so then the big bushes on the long arms are kaput and this causes wear on the outside of your tyre.

Andrew, I did this and I think this is the problem. There is clear movement of the axle when turning the wheels. I shall take the car to the G-doctor. Thank you for your advice.

[Andrew]

Andrew, I did this and I think this is the problem. There is clear movement of the axle when turning the wheels. I shall take the car to the G-doctor. Thank you for your advice.

Glad to help.