12 replies to this topic

[JetBlackEreg]

I've noticed that my cars rear wheels sit in at different distances. I've also been told the car crabs. Can this be caused by worn radius arms? 

Its had a brand new rear subframe but I have no idea if the radius arms were rebuilt.

[sonikk4]

Could well be the radius arm bearings. Check these first for play.

[Guess-Works.com]

First of all... the track of the wheels at the back is narrower than at the front, this is why everyone thinks minis crab... in fact if it looks like it's going straight, then it's more likely to be crabbing...

Secondly, as standard, the wheels at the back toe in, the amount of toe can vary as it is dependant upon the subframe and bracket which mounts the radius arm...

It can be altered by the use of shims between the bracket and the subframe, or adjustable brackets...

 

Finally, simply jack up a rear wheel and try and move it in and out, this will soon tell you if there is play in the radius arm... or go and get the tracking checked... it's usually free at well known tyre places...

[Batmini]

go and get the tracking checked... it's usually free at well known tyre places...

Or even if not free, it's usually cheaper than you think. I paid about £50 to have all 4 wheels aligned, toe, caster and camber. Totally transformed the car

[Cooperman]

For the rear, the ideal settings are toe-in 1.5 mm to 3 mm with zero to 0.5 degrees negative camber.

[David128]

where did you get 4 wheel alignment for £50 ? mine was nearly £200 

[Keith Staley]

where did you get 4 wheel alignment for £50 ? mine was nearly £200

£200! Oi vey!

It's £50 to £70 around here depending on where you go

[crackfoo]

 

where did you get 4 wheel alignment for £50 ? mine was nearly £200

£200! Oi vey!

It's £50 to £70 around here depending on where you go

 

 

yeah got all 4 done here in Halifax, NS for $100 CDN. Took them about 2 hours.

[David128]

Thats what I thought. £48 To put in on the machine then time to set camber caster tracking on all four wheels pre MOT and then MOT .. When I drove it there it was scary. Coming back was a totally different car. Steering much lighter and positive very precise control. Got a computer print out with settings before and after so could see and feel the difference. They use a system called Hunter and came highly recommended. The Guy who owns the business races formula ford and some other stuff and knows what he's talking about. Even let me watch the full process. No It wasn't cheap but I'm happy with the result. 

[Batmini]

where did you get 4 wheel alignment for £50 ? mine was nearly £200

Place in Stourbridge called Chemix, was the only place nearby that would do 10 inch wheels. Plus really nice guy that knew his stuff

Attached Files

•  20150607_090705.jpg   70.47K   7 downloads
•  20150621_091621.jpg   48.29K   5 downloads

Edited by Batmini, 22 October 2015 - 06:39 PM.

[David128]

That looks like the same setup

[Spider]

As the other guys have suggested, it could be worn bearings and / or pins. You may find when trying to check them you can get any movement due to the arms being loaded up by pressure from the rubber cone. I get in behind the arm (where the pin runs) with a tyre lever to check for movement.

 

It could also be a bent arm, fairly common-ish for the kerb side one to be bent.

[Dusky]

If you don't have adjustable front suspension, is it worth setting up the rear Anyway with the washer merhod?