New front tires

[fastfraser]

Dropped the :spyder2: off at the dealers. Had the recall done last week ( runs good, a little less power and lower RPMs than before and a little better gas mileage) and asked about my front tires 6,500 miles and the inside of both tires are down to the wear bars. Dealer said he had to order tools to adjust the camber. So its in for the week hopefully tires will be replaced under warranty ( not holding my breath on that one ) and hope they don't try and put the blame on me.

My questions are #1 -can the camber be adjusted .I am thinking not.

#2 -would haveing Ride -On in the tires cause them to wear-out on the insides.

Thanks for your replies in advance.

 

[QuadManiac]

The three adjustments related to front end alignment are caster, camber and toe-in. The manual specifies toe-in - 0mm +- 0.5mm, a camber angle - 0 degrees +- 0.5 degree and a caster angle - 80.9 degrees +- 0.5 degree.

On the :spyder2: toe-in is easily adjusted via changing the tie-rod lengths. However, caster and camber adjustments are a bit more tricky.

The inside ends of both upper and lower A arms are affixed to welded supports through bushings - not adjustable here. At the outer end, the lower ball joint in a fixed location directly to the steering knuckle - not adjustable here. The only place where any adjustment is available is at the upper ball joint to steering knuckle interface.

Caster can be adjusted (as described in the manual) thru the upper ball joint mount - sliding it forward or back on the steering knuckle assembly prior to tightening the two bolts. Camber adjustment is NOT mentioned in the manual and it appears that the only way to adjust camber would be to add or remove shims from between these same two assemblies (upper ball joint mount and steering knuckle).

So, full front end alignment on the :spyder2:is possible but rather complex. Does the average dealer tech really know how to do it? Ask him what he is planning on doing... and let us know, please!

 

[NancysToy]

A few of these have been caused by worn suspension bushings, worn ball joints, worn tie rod ends, or a combination. Have him jack it up and check carefully for play in these areas.

 

[widowmaker2011]

A few of these have been caused by worn suspension bushings, worn ball joints, worn tie rod ends, or a combination. Have him jack it up and check carefully for play in these areas.

Yes and we saw one last week that had the bushings too TIGHTfrom the factory. They wouldn't let the suspension "relax" and caused the same issues, so a good lookover is essential. As far as setting the alignment, I know of no powersports dealer with the tools to do what is necessary.