A4 TDI - uneven tyre wear

[tails]

Hi there,

I recently checked over my front tyres and was shocked to find that the inside tread to wall radius was almost through to the wire, the rest of the tyre is on the legal limit. Tyre pressure is always maintained.

This happened to me on my last set on both front and rear but i put this down to the fact they were a really cheap and nasty brand that the were already fitted to the car. When i had the front tyres changed last i asked the tyre fitter and he checked the tracking which was OK. The tyres are not rubbing anywhere either.

Something else which i have noticed happening recently is that on , or close to full lock, the outside tyre (i think) is juddering out as if it is not following the correct path, this happens on both lock.

Also if the car is on close to full lock and i swing in to the drive there is a 'clunk' developing at the front end as i drive over the lowered kerb. The 'clunk' is not evident on a straight or minor lock approach.

Do you think these issues are related? If the tracking is ok, what else maybe causing the uneven wear?

Hope you can help.

Cheers

Rob

[Beaversport10]

It sounds like you need a 4 wheel laser alignment, You need to locate somewhere to check the caster/camber of the wheels, I've just had mine done as the rear wheels were wearing on the outsides. Most places will check for free and should be about £35 per axel to adjust... £70 for the whole car.
As for the clunking, I cant help. Is it not just the spring twisting up being on full lock?
Mark

[spartacus 68]

Yes, needs a full allignment to check camber, toe-in etc. Clunk could be worn tie-rod end or upper/lower control arm.

Jack the vehicle up and hold the front wheel at 10 to 2 position and rock back and forth. Listen for tell-tale clunk or watch for movement in the arms/tie rod. Also a good opportunity to check the condition of the CV boot. Cheaper to replace the boot than the joint.

[danclyon]

It sounds like you need a 4 wheel laser alignment, You need to locate somewhere to check the caster/camber of the wheels, I've just had mine done as the rear wheels were wearing on the outsides. Most places will check for free and should be about £35 per axel to adjust... £70 for the whole car.
As for the clunking, I cant help. Is it not just the spring twisting up being on full lock?
Mark

Mark - was yours a 2wd or 4wd mate? Mine is wearing on the passenger side rear tyre very inside edge - it's very subtle though, having taken 30k miles to really show.....there's still tread there, but it's mildy feathered the tyre.



I'll need new tyres this year so will get it sorted at the same time - as I believe our local tyre outlet where I'll probably go as they are a centre for BlackCircles does 4 wheel laser alignment anyway.

Dan.