Excessive front camber causing inside shoulder wear.

[vinnie01]

Hi all just looking for some pre diagnostic advise as ill be taking the car to be checked soon anyway. i have a 1999 ford focus, its wearing through the inside shoulder of the front tires in just 6 months or 7,000 ish miles i am asuming they are the components it left the factory with (ive certainly not altered it). is it likely to be tracking or something more severe? if so how much of a wallet raping can i expect and is excessive camber an MOT failure?

[andyiley]

Extremely unlikely to be a camber issue if it is as it left the factory.

More likely tracking (£20 - check + £20 - adjustment) or tyre pressures.

[Locknut]

...or bottom ball joints. (the car is 15 years old.)

[vinnie01]

Locknut said:

...or bottom ball joints. (the car is 15 years old.)

Having been behind the steering wheel of a car thats had a Ball Joint failure this is a worry ....

[S0 What]

More likely to be worn lower arm bushes, common.

[Matt Seabrook]

Impossible to say for sure unless it's checked. Worn springs can cause the vehicle ride height to drop and cause camber issues. If ball joints track rods and ends are worn then they are going to cause wear. If a steering arm is bent then that will cause wear. Bushes worn but not causing excessive movement can cause wear. Excessive rear thrust from the rear axle can cause uneven wear.

Everybody is guessing as to what could be the problem with out first seeing the tyres and also checking the alignment. The list above is not the only items that could case uneven tyre wear but highlights just a few problems that could be the issue.

If you really want to know what is the problem book it in with an expert.

[vinnie01]

Well its been in for its annual vet check and after being relieved of £135 its got another 12 months ticket. the camber issue was possible missing spacers and a defective ARB drop link so chuffed with that