Front tires / alignment
#1
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I believe I've read every post and discussion on here about front tires and alignment. Both front tires are wearing on the inside. Replaced both struts and springs on the front. Still leaning badly. My question is, how much difference is there is spring height from sport to comfort, and would that make a difference to have my wheels leaning like they are? Hubs are new. Lower control arms are tight. What am I missing? Doesn't look like any major accidents that could of moved the strut towers. Both tires are wearing the same on the inside. Help?
#2
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Great Mills, MD
Posts: 14,431
Likes: 0
Received 3,915 Likes
on
3,217 Posts
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
mas, you should be able to adjust the camber (leaning of the tire in/out at the top). So, an alignment shop should be able to take care of that for you.
With this being said and you asked, there is a 1.4" difference between the normal springs and the sport springs. This would result in a slight leaning in at the top of the front tires. But, as stated before, this should be able to be compensated for with a camber adjustment. If it cannot be overcome, then you have a part that is worn out that needs replacement. Normally when the tires are leaning in at the top, it is the strut bearing that is the issue. You mention replacing the struts, but did not specifically mention the strut bearings (I kinda assume you did since you went as far as replacing the springs).
With this being said and you asked, there is a 1.4" difference between the normal springs and the sport springs. This would result in a slight leaning in at the top of the front tires. But, as stated before, this should be able to be compensated for with a camber adjustment. If it cannot be overcome, then you have a part that is worn out that needs replacement. Normally when the tires are leaning in at the top, it is the strut bearing that is the issue. You mention replacing the struts, but did not specifically mention the strut bearings (I kinda assume you did since you went as far as replacing the springs).
#3
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
AND remember, you MUST align rear first (yup) on our X's. British Jag tech told me about this after tearing my fronts off after rebuilding the entire front end with new parts and got an alignment in a very few thousand miles. Like, 1,500 new tires were done on the inside through the cords. Replaced tires, realigned rear first, no problems since.
#4
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I did the same as Dell, rebuilt the front end and was hoping to do the rear very soon after but then covid / brexit hit and I couldn't get the parts. I went through a brand new set of tyres in less than 2 months, and the handling was way off until I could get the alignment done. Was like a dream though after.
#6
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The insides were not wearing with 132,000 miles. I have all the maintenance records since car was new and the previous owners (2), both took it in yearly for an alignment. I rebuilt my front end for other reasons. Ball joints worn, oil filled bushing squeaked because bought car in NJ and brought to Utah where the high desert temperatures muck up that bushing (there's a tsb), unfortunately the Jag replacement component (the ball joint arm) with a different high temp oil filled bushing is not available now. I used an OEM replacement on each side as well as control arms, stabilizer bars, etc. My problem came after all the work, having it aligned and thinking all was well. Came out one day and tire was flat. Tried to pump it up and air was coming through the worn out cords (@1,500 miles later). I know this because I checked the previous tire rotation mileage done after front end work before alignment. That's when the British Jag tech told me the alignment needs to be done rear first (odd that but accepted). Replaced tires, aligned rear first and have monitored since with no reoccurring problem.
Last edited by Dell Gailey; 05-13-2021 at 02:56 AM.
#7
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Btw, today was the first nice hot day and took kitty for a short grocery run. Went slowly over speed bump and DAMNED if the front oil bushing isn't fraking sqeaking again, smfh!
3+ (Aug. 2017) years and 8,000 miles...
Guess I'll live with it because the components are good.
3+ (Aug. 2017) years and 8,000 miles...
Guess I'll live with it because the components are good.
Last edited by Dell Gailey; 05-12-2021 at 04:24 PM.
Trending Topics
#8
#9
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Btw, today was the first nice hot day and took kitty for a short grocery run. Went slowly over speed bump and DAMNED if the front oil bushing isn't fraking sqeaking again, smfh!
3+ (Aug. 2017) years and 8,000 miles...
Guess I'll live with it because the components are good.
3+ (Aug. 2017) years and 8,000 miles...
Guess I'll live with it because the components are good.
#11
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)