Wheel alignment - rapid tyre wear

[scratchpole]

Hopefully this is a problem that has a simple (read cheap) solution.

All the tyres on my X5 are either new or nearly new. When checking the rear brake pad sensor I noticed that the inside edge of the tyre tread shoulder was heavily worn. This was not noticeable until the wheel was off and the other three appear OK.

Is the rear suspension adjustable or is this an indication of something serious (expensive)?

Thanks.

[syg9m]

Hi best to get a 4 wheel enlinement I had mine done last year at a dealer for £70 worth phoning up first for a price as they can vary by miles !  If you need new tyres go through a local tyre depot as again dealers have to make their money some where .

[Finglonga]

Check your tyre pressures they are very sensitive about it because of the camber. I have upped mine a few psi and mine have stopped wearing the inner edge.

[scratchpole]

Never even thought about tyre pressures but just checked and although slightly down, both rears are same pressure.

The problem I have is with one tyre only.

I know these are sensitive to tyre wear and pressure because when I test drove before buying it pulled to one side. Three tyres were as new and one front was down to the limit. A new one cured the pulling.

I tend to only go to main dealer when there is no alternative. Some parts from BMW are BMW only but on older cars can be surprisingly cheap and my local dealer gives excellent service, and even calls me "Sir" !

[Steve Blackdog]

I recommend you get your axle carrier bushes looked at. Mine were completely shot.  After new bushes and 4 wheel alignment, the tyre wear is even again, as it should be.

[scratchpole]

I had hoped that all the bushes were O.K. as the car had a new MOT and no advisory (other than rusty front brake pipes!) but will have a look at them at some time.

When I checked the rear tyre pressures it was early morning and it was cool so thought I would check in the evening when the sun had warmed things up and found that they were still a little low so pumped them up. Also thought to check the fronts and the front left (diagonally opposite the problem one) was about half the correct pressure, although it didn't look low. I am now wondering if this has caused the odd wear on the rear. Might swap them around at some time to see if the problem remains or is cured.

[AW8]

Tyre pressure check, Suspension check, (maybe worth a check on integrity of the wheel by tyre removal and refit ) , balancing  then 4 wheel camera alignment............ BMW KDS alignment not cheap so instead use an indy that has hunter system http://www.alignmycar.co.uk/centre-locator-2/

[jaynana]

make sure that you get your alignment from a 4-wheel alignment centre - that will ensure that rear toe is fixed. beyond that  ensure they fix camber as well.

rear camber is adjustable in these cars, most alignment places don't bother with camber. i've learnt it the hard way.


bad enough that the recommended camber is -1 to -2 degrees (frm memory) it can go even worse.

[Finglonga]

[quote="scratchpole"]Also thought to check the fronts and the front left (diagonally opposite the problem one) was about half the correct pressure, although it didn't look low. I am now wondering if this has caused the odd wear on the rear. Might swap them around at some time to see if the problem remains or is cured.
[/quote]

There is allot of weight and even a couple of psi can have a big difference. I check mine weekly when they are cold.

Remember they tyres are directional if you do swap them around.