Date:         Thu, 20 Aug 1998 12:14:12 -0400
Reply-To:     Mark Gajewski <mgajewski@MANVILLERUBBER.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Gajewski <mgajewski@MANVILLERUBBER.COM>
Subject:      tire wear & heater core
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hello volks,

I have two questions I would like some input on:

1.) On an '85 Vanagon I have severe outer edge front tire wear.  Changed
upper control arm bushings and after alignment by local tire dealer and
a few thousand miles the outer tire edge continues to wear to the point
where no tread is left.  I notice that when parked with wheel turned
sharply in either direction the wheels are leaning very noticeably in
the direction of the turn (left turn causes wheel to lean left).  Could
this lean cause outer edge wear?  Could the radius arm bushings be worn
and be preventing accurate caster setting.  It is very frustrating to
have replaced the C-arm bushings and not gotten any results.  Could the
alignment have been done improperly (print out appears to be in spec.)?
Should VW actually do the alignment rather than a tire shop?

2.)  Rear heater fills car with sweet, anitfreeze smell when turned on.
I cannot see any leaking fluid however and don't want to change the core
just for the heck of it.  Is the core expensive?  Best source?  Would I
seek wetness or drips anywhere near the core if it is in fact leaking
enough to cause the odor?

Thanks,
Mark