Worn Rear Tyres Inside Edge

[Guest Frustrated Ford Driver]

Hey guys,

 

Try this one for size! Our Ford Galaxy is going through new sets of (rear) Dunlop tyres in approximately 10,000 miles.

 

Now on our second set in 12 months.

 

Have been told that there is no adjustment for tracking - so that's out.

 

The damage occurs on the inside edge approximately 2 - 3 inches across the tyre. The damage is severe, to the degree that no sign damage is visable from the outside edge but the insides are down o the wire threads.

 

It has been suggested that it could be something bent? I am sure that it probably is, but I have no idea what?

 

Any ideas as to cause and likely required repair would be great.

 

Thanks.

[Andrew T]

Does this happen equally to both rear tyres ?? Damage - e.g a bent trailing arm from sliding sideways into a kerb, would be unlikely to occur to both sides.

[dave_m]

what type,year galaxy do you have and also whats the mileage.

 

 

Do you get any noticable vibration when driving?

Have you had the car from new?

[buford_t_justice]

For a second hand car I would suggest previous accident damage is the cause here. In this case you should sell. <_<

 

If it's a new new Galaxy then the suspension geometry is totally fu*ked and Ford should be attending to this one.

[fiestaperson]

Yes it certainly sounds like a serious problem. Yes it is right there is no adjustment on the rear suspension. I would suspect the cars shell has been distorted in an accident. If it is wearing out its tyres in the way you suggest then the car is going to be dangerous under heavy braking. The only solution is to get shot of the car Sorry

[Goofygolfer]

what about worn suspension nackered springs/shocks?

[familyman]

<_< A decent tyre fitting outfit should be able to check with laser equipment which might point you in the right direction and eliminate the obvious problems ,if not :(

[Bigjeeze]

Hi

 

Give us some more information.

 

How old is the car?

 

Is it both tyres with equal wear?

 

Have you had the car a long time or is it new to you?

 

Are there any other symptoms?

[Bandito]

Has the car been lowered if so this will cause the inside edges to wear had same problem on a Beemer i once had.

[fiestaperson]

what about worn suspension nackered springs/shocks?

I would have thought the fitting firm would have eliminated that. There are desperate to take your money.

[Charliemuttley]

I will check my Galaxy tommorrow to see if it is similar design but with the Mondeo's this happens a lot because "monkey" mechanics (or tyre fitters) jack the back end up on the tie bars, which then bend and cause the rear wheels to toe-out, therefore causing bald inner edges.

 

Will let you know. :lol:

[Guest Frustrated Ford Driver]

Thanks for all the tips and advice.

 

The car is a 05/2002 Zetec tdi model which we've had since 03/2003.

 

The wear on the tyres is pretty equal both sides although this time it resulted in a blow out on one side before I noticed the wear.

 

The tyre fitters I took it to, did call a mate at Fords to see in there was an inherant fault like this but were told not, so I don't think they are trying to make out of it.

 

Tyres have gone back to Dunlop for testing but as it's the second set can't see that being the issue.

 

Geo' testing is the obvious next step but I am concerned that the cost of this, plus any recommended repairs will simply be throwing good money after bad. With no guarantee of results (wait 10k miles and see what happens)

 

The obvious solution is to get rid - must be a bit of a prat but don't really want to pass the problem onto someone else. These are family cars and as it's been pointed out - could be a dangerous problem.

[fiestaperson]

Hiya,

 

A geometry check need not be too expensive. But rule out the obvious first before spending money. The other suggestion I have to check for accident damage is something I picked up. Its a bit crude and will not tell you everything but its worth a try. Get a long tape measure and measure from wheel centre to wheel centre on both sides and then compare with specs for your model. What you might find is that everything is ok or you might find the wheelbase is out of allignment. As I say its very crude but its a pointer.

 

Checks dampers and all the bushes for the rear suspension assembly and see if there are any obvious signs or damage due to RTA or some monkey of a mechanic. Again I know this sounds silly but double check your tyre pressures with FORD. Although if they are underinflated the wear would occur on both shoulders of the tyre. The fact that the tyres are wearing exactly the same way on both sides would suggest the toe out is wrong. Are you carrying a load of weight in the back regularly?? Someone suggested springs being faulty I think this is unlikely but has someone changed them for a different set. Finally do an HPI check on the car to see if it has a V23 report on it (Written off serious accident damage) Hope it all works out for you. Please post the answer if you get one

 

 

Link to HPI http://www.hpicheck.com/newfrontend/?supplier=goog

[dave_m]

As mentioned it will be well worth getting all of the rear suspension components checked by a reputable garage (if any actually exist!! ;) )

 

it is unfortunately starting to sound like it may be accident damage, get it HPI checked but this isn't a sure way of knowing if it has been damaged and repaired as they sometimes go unrecorded.

 

 

Hopefully someone will come up with another explanation for your problem.

[El Dingo]

Where are you based? If you are local try Micheldever Tyres (just off the A303 not far from Winchester) - they sorted my old Leon Cupra R when Seat had no idea. They run a kind of 'production line' for tyre fitting, balancing, etc. and two or three laser bays for four wheel alignment and adjustment. Prices are very reasonable.

 

Contact details at http://www.micheldever.co.uk/

 

(I have no connection or affiliation with these guys, BTW.)

[bigdaddy]

I am not sure,,,,,are your bearings ok?????????????????????????

[soptom]

I would also recommend laser alignment, at least it will give you something that will point you in the right direction.

Also well done for not just taking the easy option of just selling on, it seems some on here would be fine to wave goodbye to the lady with kids as she drives off in her new Galaxy knowing that it will be her that suffers the next blow out. Nice.

[Masked Marauder]

I am not sure,,,,,are your bearings ok?????????????????????????

You can get these symptoms with a failed bearing but not normally the same on both sides.

[buford_t_justice]

".......Also well done for not just taking the easy option of just selling on, it seems some on here would be fine to wave goodbye to the lady with kids as she drives off in her new Galaxy knowing that it will be her that suffers the next blow out. Nice.

 

Who said anything about selling to some wife and kids for them to have a blow out???

 

In the event of this problem not being economical to rectify it should be punted onto a dealer and give them the problem to sort out. Fact.

[Bigjeeze]

".......Also well done for not just taking the easy option of just selling on, it seems some on here would be fine to wave goodbye to the lady with kids as she drives off in her new Galaxy knowing that it will be her that suffers the next blow out. Nice.

 

Who said anything about selling to some wife and kids for them to have a blow out???

 

In the event of this problem not being economical to rectify it should be punted onto a dealer and give them the problem to sort out. Fact.

 

And who do you think the deealer is going to sell it to? :(

[dave_m]

You say the problem has caused the death of two sets of tyres in 12 months, was the previous set of tyres to these replaced due to wear on the inner edge?

 

Just want to know whether problem was there when you bought the car (accident damage?) or has the failure of a specific component caused it to happen?

[Guest arabjazzie]

Some questions to be answered here.

Why were the original tyres replaced?

Who put on the first set of new Dunlops?

And did you go back to the same company when that set wore out?

And did you goto the same company after the blowout???

 

If answer one is even/normal wear, then i think the damage has come from that companies fitters. I hope its not because of an accident!

[Guest MATT]

maybe you should try and get in touch with the previous owner, and ask if they ever had the mother in law in the back!

 

MATT

[Scorpiorefugee]

This comment may not be helpful other than to urge you to check previous history.

 

A friend of mine had a beautiful Merc 190 which, after accident damage, exhibited the same problem. No-one could fix it - even Mercedes main dealers! :D

 

Fortunately, It was so stunning that eventually someone stole it. :)

 

I wonder if it still has the same problem.

 

does anyone out there know of a beautifully fitted out black merc with a rear tyre problem? :D

[Guest Frustrated Ford Driver]

Thanks to all!!!

 

Some answers to some of the questions.

 

I know selling to a dealer would remove responsability from me, but a) I am not going to tell them of the problem for obvious reason & :lol: they in turn will sell it on without teling anyone.

 

So this does not exclude me at least a partial guit trip!!

 

More specifics, the tyres were changed April 05 by a local tyre fitting Co., they are the same lot that changed them after the blow out. I believe as I was watching that they have used the correct jacking points

 

As previously mentioned the reason for the change last year was fronts were partially worn and the fault on the rears weren't obvious until I was in tyre shop.

 

The blowout came as complete surprise too, as a quick look from alongside the car would not have shown the fault.

 

It has been determined that since April 05 to Mar 06 we achived some 10,000 miles. As we have only had the car since June 04 and put on two sets of tyres and travelled just 18,000 miles.

 

I have to conclude that it is likely to be pre-purchase accident damage of which the dealer claims to have no knowledge.

 

Not sure of what action to take - seems best idea to sell it to dealer, wait a week and let them know of the problem?????