Rear tyre wear

[Joolz]

Hello all,

I have 18" wheels on my 2.8. I had the car jacked up earlier checking the exhaust and I noticed that my rear tyres are pretty much bald on the inside, about 1 to 2 inches wide. The camber on the rear wheels looks quite extreme but reading a few threads on here and other forums, am I right in thinking this is fairly normal and that the camber is not adjustable? My car hasn't been lowered. Are worn shocks likely to cause this?
Apart from the 2 inches width of baldness on the inside, the rest of the width of the tyres are like new.

Apologies if this has been covered previously.

Cheers all,

Joolz

 

[GazHyde]

Joolz,

It's most likely the rear camber on the tyres that causes it, assuming something isn't broken. You are correct that the rear camber isn't adjustable.

Gary

 

[zedonist]

If it is not lowered, check though first, then worn dampers can cause the rear to say which would exaggerate the camber. As Gaz has said it is not adjustable. A broken spring could cause this also, but I would imagine only one side and it would be noticeable.

 

[Joolz]

So assuming nothing is broken, it's a case of live with it?

Cheers Gary.

 

[Joolz]

And Zedonist

 

[zedonist]

That or fit an after market kit which requires the welding of offset brackets to the axle carrier and fitting concentric bolts and washers. You should not have the problem if it is not lowered, and has new shocks and springs.

 

[lightning]

My 2002 3.0 has a fair bit of visible negative camber on the rear wheels.
However the rear tyres have worn fairly evenly across their width.
My car has done 54,000 miles. Maybe yours has worn suspension parts, or possibly has been driven with more enthusiasm?

 

[zedonist]

You should always drive a Z3 with enthusiasm

 

[roadvoyager1]

Fluxmortz had a similar issue a few weeks back and it generated a lot of discussion.
Post #28 in this thread https://zroadster.org/threads/rear-crossmember.5126/page-2 seemed to provide the answer, although I have not seen the final feedback.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[zedonist]

Well that will put the frighteners on the poor sod...........

Here's to hoping its a simple shock of spring change

 

[t-tony]

Well that will put the frighteners on the poor sod...........

Here's to hoping its a simple shock of spring change

It's been a crap day Rich but that put a smile on my face, thank you.

Tony.

 

[Joolz]

Jeez, reading that thread is complicated and confusing.

I just hope it is a simple shock/spring swap out too.

Fingers crossed!!!

I will keep you informed though not planning on doing anything for a while as I am currently building a new garage to house my Z and that is taking all my money (and time).

Thanks a million for your input.

Joolz

 

[t-tony]

We have lots of E36 series cars in through work joolz, I wouldn't worry re fluxmorz's car, that ones a bit out of the ordinary. Weak or broken rear springs are more likely to be your problem and not expensive to replace as standard.. If you're concerned re tyre life, buy a type which can be moved from side to side or turned on the rims to get best mileage.

Cheers, Tony.

 

[badman gee]

It's been a crap day Rich but that put a smile on my face, thank you.

Tony.

Why was it a crap day sir

 

[roadvoyager1]

[QUOTE="roadvoyager1, post: 63158, member: 992"
Post #28 in this thread https://zroadster.org/threads/rear-crossmember.5126/page-2 seemed to provide the answer, although I have not seen the final feedback.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.[/QUOTE]

I specifically mention post #28 as this seems to give a good starting place. If it caused confussion or concern that was not my intention.

 

[t-tony]

Any and all information is relevant up till the causes of the problem is found, so we all chip in with bits and bobs. It's an education.I

 

[jonco]

.........It's most likely the rear camber on the tyres that causes it, assuming something isn't broken...........

I've recently changed my rear tyres (R16) and the final tread profile was ~5mm outer, ~4mm centre and ~1.8mm inner. They had done >20k and the profile wear was consistent throughout a 4 year period. I believed this was usual camber wear - am I kidding myself?

 

[t-tony]

No, you are not. This usual in my experience, we see lots at work.