Rear wheels bare within 2k, any ideas what's wrong?

[Tim_GTi]

Hey guys,

Long time since I've posted here!

Cleaned the car for the first time in 3 months yesterday, and found to my surprise that the two rear Tyres were completely bald!

The most shocking thing is that the Tyres went on new the last time I cleaned my car. So in 3 months (I worked it out at about 2500 miles) they've gone from new to bald.

The fronts are fine, (little inside wear from my negative camber but that's normal).

I keep them inflated at about 33 psi (from memory). And were checked for pressure about 2 weeks ago.

Can anyone shed any light as to what maybe wrong?

[6N2 GTI 00]

The only thing I could think of is possibly severe negative camber on the rear but any problems with tyre wear would have cropped up before you changed them over. Are they a set of budget tyres made from a poor compound?

You kind of expect more on the front as you mentioned but the rears normally tend to last around 20,000 miles, sometimes more.

Tracking could be an issue but again that would only really effect the fronts.
Your best bet is to probably get a 4 wheel laser alignment to get any camber issues put to bed and get it tracked correctly.

[chris meardon]

Are they worn evenly across the tread? thats always an indication of incorect camber set or track and tow.

What tyres were they? some are infamous for lasting no time at all, the higher spec tyres often last less miles as they are softer compound.



Also were you there when the fitted the tyres? some companys swap the wheels over so you have the highest ammount of tread on the front so they could have put your fronts on the back without you knowing? Just an idea.

Is the car scraping at all? that chews tyres in a matter of miles if there is regular scrubbing on the arch.

[alexperkins]

Camber, over inflation and poor tyre quality can lead to all of these.

33PSI is too high for the rear - it should be 28-30.

Tracking and camber will make no difference to the rear as its not adjustable. Its set by the hub.

[6N2 GTI 00]

Camber, over inflation and poor tyre quality can lead to all of these.

33PSI is too high for the rear - it should be 28-30.

Tracking and camber will make no difference to the rear as its not adjustable. Its set by the hub.

Good point about the rear being non adjustable, I totally forgot about that

[Trottagti]

Toe in or out will shred tyres buddy, mums mini Cooper s was way out on toe and ya can't tell wen driving as it don't wobble etc...

A good alignment should do the trick like a laser 4 wheel one.
Be like 60 quid but better than new tyres at like 200quid...

[Bradley]

Where abouts have they worn Tim?.Best to know where they have worn before i try and help.

[Tim_GTi]

Sorry for the late reply guys, been away all week with work!

Tyres were worn evenly, offside rear more to the outer edge.

Tyres are bridgestone potenzas, never had this issue with them before.

Tyres were brand new on. So nothing to do with them being switched over.

Tyres don't scrub at all

Alex - interesting that you mentioned 28-30 is correct on the rears. you sure? Swear it says more behind the petrol flap (33 rear, 35 front from memory). I know over inflation wears quicker, but would 3-4 psi over really make that much difference in such a short period of time?

[MrP]

Have you lowered your car more or less since fitting the tyres?

Lowering a car with a solid rear beam is known to induce tow-in which could be the issue.

[Tim_GTi]

Have you lowered your car more or less since fitting the tyres?

Lowering a car with a solid rear beam is known to induce tow-in which could be the issue.

Nope not since.

If this was the case then wear would be uneven, and consistent with all my other sets wheels.

[alexperkins]

Alex - interesting that you mentioned 28-30 is correct on the rears. you sure? Swear it says more behind the petrol flap (33 rear, 35 front from memory). I know over inflation wears quicker, but would 3-4 psi over really make that much difference in such a short period of time?

Thats the top inflation if driving under continuos load - ie 4 people and two heavy suitcases. You wouldnt drive that on day to day. 28-32 is a much better combination for tyre wear and grip also.

[Tim_GTi]

Alex - interesting that you mentioned 28-30 is correct on the rears. you sure? Swear it says more behind the petrol flap (33 rear, 35 front from memory). I know over inflation wears quicker, but would 3-4 psi over really make that much difference in such a short period of time?

Thats the top inflation if driving under continuos load - ie 4 people and two heavy suitcases. You wouldnt drive that on day to day. 28-32 is a much better combination for tyre wear and grip also.

But is this alone enough to warrant the amount of wear I've gone through in the last 3 months? Surely not.

[alexperkins]

Well it could contribute, but no I wouldnt say it would shred tyres that quickly!

Could be massively s**t quality rubber!

[Tim_GTi]

My previous bridgestones lasted a lot longer. Are Tyres known to be inconsistent?

It's going into the garage today for an inspection on the rear axle. Check nothing's twisted or bushings are worn.

[Tim_GTi]

Garage couldn't find anything.

All bushes fine, axle fine, bearings fine. Pressure neither here nor there.

I'm putting it down to bad batch of tyres.

Knowing this I would've considered another brand before ordering two new ones!

Now another question, I haven't researched it yet, but will soon no doubt, and I'm sure the answer is yes..

Can you alter camber shims accurately, and can they provide positive camber?