General Wheel Alignment

[BaileyXLM]

I got my Bravo back from it's MOT today (it passed - Hurray!) to an advisory that both front tyres wearing quite badly on the inner edge. Now I've only driven 7000 miles since I got these tyres fitted at the end of February, so I would have thought they would have lasted a fair bit longer than this, given that there's at-least 4mm left over the rest of the tyre.

Now my first thought was the wheel alignment, but seeing as though the tracking was done the same time as when the tyres were fitted it seems unlikely. However, on checking my receipt, my car is listed as a Fiat Brava as opposed to the Bravo, would this make a difference to the tracking? And would this be the source of my problem?

Thanks!

 

[Rigby]

Although the tracking might be fine, the geometry sounds as though its way off. Take it too a garage that can do 4 wheel laser alignment and geometry checking.

 

[850kd]

I have had big problems getting my bravo tracked properly. I'm sure one place set it as the old Bravo which would be incorrect of course. I also had one set it for the wrong version of t-jet which may also have been wrong . The software of the tracking equipment appears to be loaded with most variants so when you have it done its best to check what settings they use, I think.
I cannot find a published setting, even on-line or on this forum, for bravo tracking.
I have been getting inner tyre wear even when I'm sure the tracking is spot on.
One thing I have done in the past, which treats the symptom and not the cause, is to flip the tyres over on the rim - assuming that the tyres are non directional of course.

 

[scooter188]

I always set mine to 0 as thats bang in middle tolerance is +2 to -2
The minus 2 gives much better handling but increased the wear

 

[cainy1989]

daft question here, can a worn wishbone (lower) cause the tracking to be way off? ive been told the wishbone is worn and that was the reason for tracking not being set or the garage being unable to set it, is there anyway i can check this myself, or would you guys advise i get a second opinion?

 

[850kd]

A worn lower link will make it impossible to get the geometry right.
Fix the link first , tracking second ! To check the worn link you really need to take the load of the wheels , up on a lift is best . If you grab the wheel and lift it up and down and to and fro, your assistant should be able to see movement in the link even if you cant feel it.
How many miles has this worn link done? out of interest.

 

[cainy1989]

Well the car is on 66k at the moment and its the same part on from the factory as far as I'm aware, only seems to be passenger side they can't set the tracking on, can't grumble really there's been a rattle since the car was brought over to Ireland loaded with stuff

 

[850kd]

Rattles could be down to a drop link.
I dont think a drop link affects tracking but others may advise on this. Regards

 

[cainy1989]

been quoted 220 EUR for the job, don't want to find it was just a 12 EUR drop-link, I wish I could do the job myself, wouldn't even know where to start, I've been burnt by places in the UK, it was £300 for a rear calliper last year that I don't believe was needed (car only went in for rear pads) so I'm always a bit sceptical when it comes to putting the car in for work.