Date:         Wed, 2 Mar 2016 21:19:19 -0500
Reply-To:     "email99@bellsouth.net" <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "email99@bellsouth.net" <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      What causes tire wear?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

Just a couple of questions about  tire wear and alignment.

Several things, other than squeaking and clunking, happen when the upper
control arm bushings wear.  Primarily, camber becomes more negative
because of bushing wear.  A secondary effect is more negative toe
because the top of the spindles move slightly inward. Caster can also
change slightly when bushings wear unevenly but I wouldn't think this
should affect tire wear very much.

All of these can cause wear on the inside of front tires.

Which has the greatest effect?


I just installed GoWesty Delrin AF upper control arm bushings and did a
string and level alignment on my 86 Westy.  This is a daily driver and
most of my driving is done alone so I weighted the front end with bags
of lime in the foot wells to match my weight and used modified half load
alignment specifications.  This should be pretty close correct
specifications. Aligning is pretty easy and quite reproducible once you
get some experience.  A $10 Harbor Freight digital caliper makes
measurements easy and accurate.

I installed grease fittings about 3 years ago and have regularly added a
bit of grease every 6 months.  All ball joints and tie rod ends are
still tight with no significant leakage.  I'm hoping the GW bushings
will also be long lasting.