Negative camber killed my Pirelli!
#1
Negative camber killed my Pirelli!
Has anyone seen the inside of their front tire wear so bad that it actually rips? I had a relatively new pirelli fail today. It had about 70% tread left except for the very edge on the inside. I have had my beast for 2 months now and this is the second tire fatality (ran over a nail on the rear tire and ruined it before I could get to a filling station). The car tracks very nicely so I had no reason to suspect the alignment was so off. Is this a common problem?
Pete
04 XKR convertible
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Pete
04 XKR convertible
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#3
I had exactly the same problem with my Pirellis, though perhaps not quite so dramatic. Both rear tyres had about 30% tread left, except for the inside 4cm which were completely worn smooth. I replaced them with Michelin PS last month and am keeping a close eye on them. I suspect excessive negative camber.
#5
#6
I have had the same problem, and although Pirellis wear worse than any tire I've ever seen, it's not the brand of tire that's the problem. I tried to have an alignment done but the camber was off too much to bring it into compliance. I have had a set of camber "shims" made that will be installed soon as a have a chance to get it into the shop as I don't want this to happen to my new Nexens.
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#8
You can buy them via Jaguar, or have them made. Measure the current shims (mostly they are 4mm), then measure the current camber (make sure the fuel tank is full). Then its about 0.19 degrees (decimal) per 0.5mm, that will get you close the target you like.
Last edited by plums; 04-08-2013 at 03:08 AM.
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Frog (02-24-2013)
#9
I just have a basic alignment done every 3-4 months or so as only costs £15 on half-price special. Have done this for 3yrs and no uneven wear.
One thing I do find is that the under/over inflation sides/centre wear differs from tyre to tyre, so under for one brand will be fine for another...a complete PITA when changing brands.
Luckily have aftermarket TPMS so can keep a track on pressure changes.
M
One thing I do find is that the under/over inflation sides/centre wear differs from tyre to tyre, so under for one brand will be fine for another...a complete PITA when changing brands.
Luckily have aftermarket TPMS so can keep a track on pressure changes.
M
#11
I am unaware of any 'camber shims'. There are shims on the upper A arm pivot bolt, however, they set caster. And there is an eccentric bolt for the lower control arm which provides a half degree of camber adjustment. But I have never seen, nor heard of, a camber shim. Pls advise.
#13
#14
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^^^ While a loose ball joint can be and issue, the car would be all over the road and couldnt maintain a straight track. Your issue is more toe out too much WHILE DRIVING, not neccessarily on the alignment machine. You drive down a road which pushes out on the tires toeing them out more which is why Mercedes wants a pressor bar used when doing an alignment to simulate what the suspension does while driving. And why I set toe in to the inner most setting in front. Check it and comphensate for it while doing an alignment. They dont know what this is? Inform them or go somewhere else, its not rocket science. And camber will not noticably wear inside of tire till it goes above -1.5, closer to -2.. And Matt was correct on checking the front upper shock bushings for deterioration. They drop ride height and camber goes right towards -2.
#15
Brutal
Thanks for the toe out tip. I have an appointment with my alignment shop here in Clearlake and will have them check and set the toe. As far as the top shock bushing goes, can I inspect that from the top side in the engine compartment or do I have to look up from the bottom of the car?
Thanks for the toe out tip. I have an appointment with my alignment shop here in Clearlake and will have them check and set the toe. As far as the top shock bushing goes, can I inspect that from the top side in the engine compartment or do I have to look up from the bottom of the car?
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brutal
thanks for the toe out tip. I have an appointment with my alignment shop here in clearlake and will have them check and set the toe. As far as the top shock bushing goes, can i inspect that from the top side in the engine compartment or do i have to look up from the bottom of the car?
thanks for the toe out tip. I have an appointment with my alignment shop here in clearlake and will have them check and set the toe. As far as the top shock bushing goes, can i inspect that from the top side in the engine compartment or do i have to look up from the bottom of the car?
#20
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Brutal
Thanks for the toe out tip. I have an appointment with my alignment shop here in Clearlake and will have them check and set the toe. As far as the top shock bushing goes, can I inspect that from the top side in the engine compartment or do I have to look up from the bottom of the car?
Thanks for the toe out tip. I have an appointment with my alignment shop here in Clearlake and will have them check and set the toe. As far as the top shock bushing goes, can I inspect that from the top side in the engine compartment or do I have to look up from the bottom of the car?