Can't track rear wheels, problem?

[Britain4]

Hi

Sorry another one from me again, family member I bought my B5 from tells me last time she took it to be tracked due to uneven wear on the rear tyres they couldn't do it. Apparently they said "something" had gone on the back meaning they couldn't track it and they would have to disassemble the rear of the car to get to it.

Anyone got any ideas what this 'something' could be - I've read about having to remove the rear beam to do the rear bushes so could that have been what they meant? Only other thing could be something bent but she says she thinks they mentioned a bush but had wanted to scrap the car by that point so didn't really listen!

Sorry to be so vague but that's all I've got to go on!

[zollaf]

i presume this isnt a quattro ?

[Britain4]

Sorry nope it's not a Quattro, 1.8 non turbo.

Cheers

[zollaf]

so its a beam rear axle, no adjustment to anything. the bushes might be worn but enought to affact the tracking and the car would drive like a jelly. if the tracking is out then the axle is bent or the tracking is being done wrong.

[Britain4]

Cheers for the reply and dealing with my cluelessness on these haha.

I'll take it for a second opinion then. Could well be bushes as I haven't really driven it yet due to other minor issues. Bent axle and I'll probably just carry on what she's been doing which is putting more part worn tyres on every few k

[zollaf]

a used axle is 100 quid or so, 4 hours or so to swop. then you could treat it to new tyres. only takes a hardish tap on a curb to put a kink in one.

[Britain4]

Cool cheers. Very possible that could have happened. Wheels and tyres are surprisingly pristine as far as kerbing goes but I'll get it lifted and checked out.

[zollaf]

slight mishap, bang, replace wheel and tyre and carry on, blisfully unaware the axle is kinked.

[Britain4]

Yep easy to see how that might happen given the force with which some people clout the kerb.

Had a look at the rear beam and it isn't visibly deformed as far as I can see. I might do the bushes and see how it goes because they look absolutely knackered, cracked and starting to split. If it still won't track then new beam it is.

Thanks for all your help!

[zollaf]

i would be surprised if the bushes are the problem, but might be. i would start with parking it on very flat ground, a petrol station forecourt is good if you dont have anything at home, and using a right angle to check the camber on both wheels. i use a large builders one, put it on the ground and up the wheel, then measure the gap at the top. should be the same both sides. dont worry about what the camber is, you want to compare both sides. then look down the wheel and line it up by eye with the front wheels, both sides again should track to the same place on the front wheels. you may spot something is out which will point to the axle. pointless replacing bushes on a bent axle, and if the bushes were worn enough then the axle would move so handling would be a major issue.