had alignment done today

[1iwilly]

so i had my 4 wheel alignment here is the specs before and after they claim i need to change front struts and rear springs to correct camber.???had serious inside tire wear on rear

[Joshdub]

Changing springs probably won't do anything. It's usually the rear control arm bushings that wear out and cause excessive tire wear.

[1iwilly]

i figure that much maybe this will be my summer project

Originally Posted by Joshdub

Changing springs probably won't do anything. It's usually the rear control arm bushings that wear out and cause excessive tire wear.

[upallnight]

Is it me that think his alignment data was better before he brought the X in for an Alignment?

[Joshdub]

I'd agree with that. The rear will wear quicker now too.

[StephenVA]

Yep, you are right. They added more toe to make the vehicle track straight?!
Now it will chew on the outside edge of the rear tires faster evening out the wear. (There is logic for you. Align for even faster tire wear!

Suggestions: Replace the rear upper arms, replace the lower ball joints and realign with a MIN rear toe in CLOSEST TO ZERO AS POSSIBLE to provide longer tire life. Note: this is not the BMW spec. The above recommendation is based on actual user input. More "Toe in" will provide a faster lane change at the expense of the rear tires. As they spend their time just rolling forward 99% of the time. As the ball joints and upper control arms wear the ability of the rear tires to stay vertical goes away. Most alignment techs will just try to crank on the upper control arm adjust nut until it reaches the best possible numbers and let it go. You need to replace parts to bring the rear back into specs.

[1iwilly]

Thanks for the advice the reason for the alignment steering wheel was off a slight tad to the right and the rear tires were wearing out on the inside edge

[StephenVA]

Inside edge wear is due to too much negative camber (When viewed from the rear, the tops of the tires are tilted towards each other.

To help you see the concept visually.....

[1iwilly]

this might sound weird but i've notice now it doesn't feel like i'm pulling or dragging something from behind. before if i let go of the gas pedal at 60 i would notice right away a quick slow down in speed now it feels loose free wheeling no drag.

[jsoto]

1iwilly - not sure what your alignment runs ya.....but IME/IMO, it's best to address all suspension bits/pieces (as a general rule) before visiting the alignment rack. Just sorta p1ssing money twice , as you need to get the obvious addressed so they can dial it in proper. I know we're past that already, but I suppose this is something learned ?