Volvo V50d - Rapid but even tyre wear.

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Sat 14 Mar 2015 15:22
Volvo V50d - Rapid but even tyre wear. - Rafe

I had a new set of front tyres fitted a while back after which I noticed the steering was a bit heavier and at full lock the steering wheel did not return to straight without a bit of effort.

I had the steering mechanics and the alignment checked, the garage said it was all ok.

Since then the last two sets of front tyres (Hankooks and Uniroyals ) have only lasted about 6,500 miles but with pretty even wear. I don’t drive very fast and almost all my miles are dual carriageway.

My question is could poor alignment be the cause of the heavy steering and rapid but even wear?

I’m due for a tyre change at a different garage next week and would appreciate any advice.

Thanks

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 14 Mar 2015 17:13
Volvo V50d - Rapid but even tyre wear. - Cyd

My question is could poor alignment be the cause of the heavy steering and rapid but even wear?

YES

Use align my car .co.uk and find somewhere near you with a proper Hunter rig. If you're anywhere near Wiston South Leicester I can personally recommend Keys Cars.

And buy decent tyres. Personally I'm thrilled with my Goodyear Eagle F1s - and I drive a 260hp Saab 9-3 and DO NOT spare the horses!!!! 25k and more out of a (rotated) set.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 14 Mar 2015 17:33
Volvo V50d - Rapid but even tyre wear. - jc2

Hancooks & Uniroyals are NOT ditchfinders.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 15 Mar 2015 09:44
Volvo V50d - Rapid but even tyre wear. - Ordovices

What kind of uneven wear? Inner edges per chance?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 15 Mar 2015 16:40
Volvo V50d - Rapid but even tyre wear. - Rafe

Wear is pretty even right across both tyres.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 15 Mar 2015 16:39
Volvo V50d - Rapid but even tyre wear. - Rafe

My question is could poor alignment be the cause of the heavy steering and rapid but even wear?

YES

Use align my car .co.uk and find somewhere near you with a proper Hunter rig. If you're anywhere near Wiston South Leicester I can personally recommend Keys Cars.

And buy decent tyres. Personally I'm thrilled with my Goodyear Eagle F1s - and I drive a 260hp Saab 9-3 and DO NOT spare the horses!!!! 25k and more out of a (rotated) set.

Thanks for this, nearest town is Aberdeen but I've got it booked for a full allignment check.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 15 Mar 2015 10:06
Volvo V50d - Rapid but even tyre wear. - hardway

Rapid tyre wear can also be caused by worn out shock absorbers and top shock bearings,

Often oerlooked.

It's your "wheel did not return straight" that makes me suspect the top shock mounts.

Many vehicles have ball race top bearings and if you'd seen what I've seen......

Some just collapse when removed and leave a real rusty remainder!

But not a cheap 5 min job to check!

Shcok has to be removed and dismantled.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 15 Mar 2015 16:42
Volvo V50d - Rapid but even tyre wear. - Rafe

My first thought was also the top shock mounts but garage assured me that had all been checked and there was no excessive movement. To be fair I could not see any play but as you say it's not a quick job to check properly.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....

From choosing the right tyre to what to do when it goes wrong - we have the answers.

Tyre News And Advice