XC rear tire inside wear.

[Japedo]

Hello folks, thought I would throw a quick question out there.

Im getting a parts list together to do some major maintenance on the 2001 XC 175miles, and am wondering about my rear suspension components. THe rear tires always wear out on the inside, rotating frequentley helps prolong this but it still happens. Getting probably 35mile out of a set of tires, two summers.
Is this normal? DO bushings commonly wear out back there with the millage I have? IT has been wearing rear tires since I baught the car 3 years ago with 78miles.
Fortunantley the front tires wear evenly and there isn't any driveability issues.

any info would be great.

thanks

Curtis

[priapism]

Sounds like you've got too much negative camber, you probably just need an alignment done.

[Japedo]

I have had the alignment checked a few times since owning the car, and everytime they say it is perfect.

Might be a good idea to check again when get my new winter tires.

thanks, Curtis

[JRL]

Can't be in alignment
One of three things is happening
IF the alignment IS in spec, you have worn out rear bushings that are allowing the wheels to change toe
TWO, the alignment is NOT right and you have too much (not adjustable) camber which would be caused by worn out rear Nivomats and springs or even standard rear shocks and springs.
The XC has a large weak (soft) spring and can wear out causing the rear to sag a bit thus pushing the tires out which would result in neg. camber
Three, your rear toe is NOT set to spec, (if it is, go back to #1).

You have high miles, your rear suspension may need to be rebuilt
Actually at your miles everything should be rebuilt, front an rear.
May not be cost effective, you may want to think about a newer one

Four, rotate the tires every oil change

[Japedo]

Can't be in alignment
One of three things is happening
IF the alignment IS in spec, you have worn out rear bushings that are allowing the wheels to change toe
TWO, the alignment is NOT right and you have too much (not adjustable) camber which would be caused by worn out rear Nivomats and springs or even standard rear shocks and springs.
The XC has a large weak (soft) spring and can wear out causing the rear to sag a bit thus pushing the tires out which would result in neg. camber
Three, your rear toe is NOT set to spec, (if it is, go back to #1).

You have high miles, your rear suspension may need to be rebuilt
Actually at your miles everything should be rebuilt, front an rear.
May not be cost effective, you may want to think about a newer one

Four, rotate the tires every oil change

Thanks JRL, I agree that everything should probably be rebuilt at this time. Atleast suspension wise. This is my parts list that I will getting through FCP.
-front control arm bushings, and ball joints
- both front axles, rear axles are tight.
- timing belt, tensioner, idler wheel and waterpump "last done at 88 miles"
- accessory belt

I haven't placed my order yet, as it won't be shipped untill monday and am thinking I will get some rear suspension bushings as well. Just never serviced the rear suspension before so it will be new waters for me. So basically 6 or 7 hundered dollars I could have most parts needed to do decent tuneup, and i do my own work so no labor charges. For a 2001 this car hasn't been to bad really, minimal maintenance since the transmission job and it's always started. Even got the wife to the hospital for both our children to be born, both in huge winter storms .
You mention a newer model may be more cost effective. And we felt the same, purchased a 2007 Nissan altima one week ago. It's taking over as our family's primary vehicle and the XC is stepping into the the retired 850's shoes as a secondary car. But we are going to use the XC in bad winter weather of course.

Also going to try rotating tires every oil change now that I have air tools, so much easier.

Again thanks for the helpfull responce, im going to see what I can learn about rear suspension bushings.

Curtis