2002 XC70 rear tire uneven wear

mark99tj · Post by **mark99tj** » 29 Dec 2018, 20:57

My driver rear tire is wearing heavy on the outer portion of the tire. The passenger side looks normal. Is there any adjustment in the rear suspension to adjust toe, or do I have some issues with bushings or control arms? I have looked closely at everything and it doesn’t appear that anything is damaged. I held a level to both rear wheels and they appear to have the same toe in, but that was an eyeball look and I realize a slight difference makes a huge impact.

The attached photo is the tire, looking forward from the rear of the car.

Post by **vtl** » 30 Dec 2018, 07:23

There's a rusty eccentric bolt on the stamped toe ram, on the inner side. Be aware that it's nearly impossible to adjust toe using stock bolts, IPD was selling adjustable toe rods few years ago (I put them on my car).

Also a bunch of dead bushings in rear suspension can cause bad alignment.

Post by **oragex** » 30 Dec 2018, 09:52

About the eccentric bolt, does someone has a picture of it ?

For the OP, was that tire also used on the front wheels? I had something similar on a front tire - just one side. One of the shocks on my front suspension was replaced and sits higher, which causes the camber to go a little offset - reason for the tire wear.

But also worth seeing if there is a problem with the rear hubs (besides the toe adjstment vtl mentions). Have a bud driving behind you and ask him see if you car drives 'sideway'. It may meant the car was smacked from behind and repaired in the past. More or less like this guy at 0:35

mark99tj · Post by **mark99tj** » 30 Dec 2018, 09:55

I have no idea if the tire was used on the front. I am putting a different one on this afternoon and will watch it closely. I don’t think that it was ever hit. I have looked over the car in detail and the previous owner has a ton of notes (but can’t ask because she died) and there is no mention or record of an accident.

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 31 Dec 2018, 15:06

So, if there are evenly worn tires on the front, have the front alignment checked.

Throwing your "crookeds" onto the rear axle is an ancient, original tech trick....I even know it!

Check the sidewalls' condition. Maybe the deceased woman parked by feel.

mark99tj · Post by **mark99tj** » 31 Dec 2018, 15:36

I put 3000 miles on the car since I got it. I am pretty sure it is wearing like that on the rear. To be certain though, I did put a different tire on it with even tread and will see what happens.

Post by **oragex** » 01 Jan 2019, 06:38

Side note, these early haldex were sensitife to tire wear difference. Although if it wasn't already repaired, chances are good a 2002 awd is already no longer working..