Front tires inside edge worn

clarkS70glt · Post by **clarkS70glt** » 03 Mar 2012, 11:32

Car=1998 S70 GLT with 132,000 miles.

I have done some searching on front alignments, but I would like to know what the actual Volvo numbers are for alignment specifications. A month and a half ago I replaced the right outer tie rod end and control arm and had a front alignment done by the best shop in town, all they do is alignments and suspension work. He inspects everything before going ahead with the alignment so that there is no wasted time or money. So, when I picked it up after it was done he said only the side that I replaced the parts on needed adjusting, which was the toe. Fast forward to today, I was changing the oil and filter and noticed both front tires on the inside edge is just about burned off. Middle and outside edge looks great. Unfortunately, the tires only have 15k miles on them and the front now look horrible.

Before I call the alignment shop on Monday, I would like to know what condition would lead to both front tires inside tread to wear severely. Also, I would like to compare the Volvo specifications to what he has.

I hope my son did not hit a curb and neglect to tell the old man! But, would that lead to both tires wearing on the inside edge? I will ask my son tonight to see if something happened. Or, did the car just not hold the alignment?

clarkS70glt · Post by **clarkS70glt** » 03 Mar 2012, 15:09

We have ruled out any curb hits, ditch surfing, and any typical "New York state" potholes.

Tomorrow I will inspect the left side ball joint/control arm and outer/inner tie rods.

5806 · Post by **5806** » 03 Mar 2012, 16:53

Bad ball joints/control arm bushings can cause that kind of wear. I would suspect that first since you did replace the one control arm already, maybe you didn't notice the wear before you replaced it.

clarkS70glt · Post by **clarkS70glt** » 03 Mar 2012, 18:26

Now you make me doubt myself. I was pretty sure the tires were in like new condition when I bought the car. The tires only had 10,000 miles on them and we have only put on about 4,000 miles. I did replace the outer tie rod first and did not get the alignment done for probably a month or so. Then I took it in for an alignment and the shop found the bad ball joint so I replaced the control arm and had the alignment done after that. I suppose that it is possible the inner tread could have worn out in that time period, but I would think that the alignment shop would have pointed that condition out.

I think that I will take it back in to the alignment shop to have it checked again, to be on the safe side. It does seem to handle poorly in snow which could be the condition of the tires or maybe it is out of alignment again. I want to make sure it is right so I am not beating the tires off of it.

Post by **rspi** » 03 Mar 2012, 20:29

Do you have any rubbing in the fender skirts?

clarkS70glt · Post by **clarkS70glt** » 04 Mar 2012, 06:55

I will check for rubbing in the fender skirts today along with worn ball joints and tie rods.

clarkS70glt · Post by **clarkS70glt** » 04 Mar 2012, 17:39

There are no rub marks on the fender skirts. I checked the left side (right side is all new) ball joint by prying with a very large flat screwdriver and also by grabbing the wheel top and bottom, found no play. Tie rods are tight. The only thing I noticed was the rubber covers on the stabilizer links are pretty rotted, but I don't think that would have anything to do with worn inside tread. Would it?

I guess I will see what the alignment shop has to say.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 04 Mar 2012, 19:01

Full Manual
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/199 ... 70_000.htm

Alignment Specs - Bottom of page
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/199 ... .htm#pg136

1) Inner tire wear are from Negative Camber like the rear of the old Datsun 510 as they sat low and squatted. In this case the tire is a wedge type only inside wear.

2) Toed out, tires pointing to the outside of the car will also cause a wedged type inner tire wear.
3) Toed in like a skier which helps keep the skier stay straight will cause the outside of the tire to wear.
4) Toed in with negative camber however will cause excessive inner tire wear rather than outer tire wear as Toe in usually does and the tire will have a feather type of inner edge wear.

Toe is adjustable but Camber is not unless you buy a Kit in which the bolt is concentric and allows for some adjustment. If the camber is out something is bent and if only slightly the bolt kit may fix it. I'm usually pretty good about understanding alignments given the right information but I still overlook things from time to time.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=46949

Blessings,

BKM
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Post by **rspi** » 04 Mar 2012, 19:35

When you go to the shop ask to speak to the manager and tell them you are concerned with your tire wear. Also let them know you got your alignment done there and they SHOULD make sure it's done right. Heck, as old as these cars are you'd think anyone could do it.

Cross your fingers, they may even offer you some tires. If not, have them rotated.

clarkS70glt · Post by **clarkS70glt** » 09 Mar 2012, 06:04

It was a mistake at the alignment shop. Owner's son in training. Usually the owner double checks what the kid does, but did not in this case. I pushed for tires all the while trying not to get hot because I don't like to (usually does not pan out well) and he only offered a free alignment on the next one. I could tell he felt bad, but I walked away a little upset.