8 replies to this topic

[shaneedwards]

I've recently purchased 4 brand new tyres for my mini and the rear tyres have not lasted 6 weeks. The inner edge of both rear tyres are completely smooth. This happened to the tyres I had before but I thought nothing of it. Can anyone help to what could be the cause of this annoying and expensive problem.
Thanks in advance, Shane.

[Tamworthbay]

You need to get the front end set up correctly. Search on here for camber/ castor setting as there are loads of threads where people have explained what the settings need to be, but unless you have the kit (expensive) then it would be better to get the tracking/ alignment done professionally. But make sure all the ball joints and suspension are in good order first.

[Anthony30]

I would recommend getting fully adjustable suspension. I'm getting adjustable bottom arms and tie bars from Mini Spares when funds allow.

[shaneedwards]

It's the rear tyres that have gone bald not the front.

[Tamworthbay]

It's the rear tyres that have gone bald not the front.

you still need to check the camber and castor.

[shaneedwards]

Okay I'll look at it tomorrow, thanks for the advice

[Tamworthbay]

Cooperman has done a few articles/ replies on rear castor and camber and how to check them. It would be worth searching them out, or drop him a PM and he will explain it to you.

[GraemeC]

Camber and toe on the rear - there is no caster at the back.

[Phil-R]

Wear on the rear tyres most likely suggests incorrect toe in/out adjustment at the rear  (nothing to do with the front suspension)

 

Wear on the inner edge suggests that the camber is negative (where as it's positive from the factory). This most likely means that someone has fitted aftermarket brackets to adjust the geometry. The brackets can have a vertical thread that sets the camber to any position, and spacer shims adjust how far back the bracket sits from the subframe to adjust the toe angle. Not all brackets come with spacer shims and if the fitter didn't question this and assumed the toe-in would be correct, it will almost certainly be wrong and cause the wear you are seeing.

 

A second and less likely cause would be excessive negative camber at the rear. Mini suspension works best well with about 0 - 0.5 degrees negative rear camber. Visually, the wheels should look like they're vertical. If they look like they're leaning inwards, there's too much negative camber and this could cause bad wear if extreme enough.

 

EDIT: - just to add, that if you get your suspension (from and back) set up properly, not only will it cost less in tyres, it will be absolutely divine to drive.

Edited by chrome, 24 November 2014 - 11:13 AM.