Jeep tracking problem?

[Jeff Glasser]

I'm happier painting stuff, so I aint too bright with the machanical side of things. :confused:

 

Can anyone help me rectify a developing problem that I've just noticed before a tyre is ruined.

 

The outside outer rear edge of the the 'bar' on the n.s.f. tyre on my jeep has started to wear unevenly, I'm hoping this is a tracking problem, and nothing too serious.

 

I'll try and attach a sketch of the problem. I hope it shows just what I mean.

 

The jeep does'nt wander or try to steer left or right when the steering wheel is let go.

 

Thanks for any help.

 

Jeff

[Bodge Deep]

The Dodge did that on the front tyres before i put frewheeling hubs on... may be a 4x4 thing, something to do with the drag of the front transmission...?

It stopped as soon as i put lockouts on it

[Jeff Glasser]

Thanks for that Bodge, Lock outs?

 

Jeff

[Bodge Deep]

Lockouts are freewheeling hubs...

They disconnect the front wheels from the front transmission, as even when you select 2WD in a 4WD vehicle you are still pushing the front halfshafts, diff and prop shaft round up to the transfer box (in a standard 4x4 setup) which can produce quite a bit of drag.

Lockouts/freewheeleing hubs stop this happening and can help with tyre wear and fuel consumption

 

It may be a tracking caster camber issue thats highlighting the tendancy though

[Jeff Glasser]

yeah, I knew that!

 

thanks Bodge, though I'm hoping it might just be a tracking problem. (well, you live in hope do'nt you!!)

 

Jef

[gritineye]

All bargrip type tyres develop this scalloped pattern of wear to some degree, due to the block of tread moving under steering/braking/driving forces. The wear usually happens sloping to the rear as you look at the top of the tyre, why the nearside more than the o/s? I blame all those bl**ding roundabouts!

[Jeff Glasser]

Thanks gritineye, that describes the problem perfectly .

 

Oh well, looks like it's something I'll have to live with. Though it's good to hear that it's maybe not a steering/suspension problem. I might get the tracking checked anyway.

 

Jeff

[Jessie The Jeep]

....why the nearside more than the o/s? I blame all those bl**ding roundabouts!

 

You also have more weight on the left side of the Jeep - driver, fuel tank, and I think the engine is slightly offset to the left.

 

Steve

[Glynn]

might be worth checking you dont have a dragging brake.:shocked:

[Jeff Glasser]

Thanks for the input guys, I had'nt thought of the fairly obvious re-extra weight etc on the left side.

 

Done that Glynn, cheers anyway.

 

I knew I'd get good answers on here.

 

Jeff

[Nick Johns]

Get the tracking checked, it should be 1/16th" Toe in, also periodically swap wheels around, put fronts on the back, to minimse wear

[Jeff Glasser]

Thanks Nick, that's what I shall do, it'll give me peace of mind if nothing else. I originaly set it up with a plank of wood, so it could do with being looked at by people who know what they're doing.

 

 

Jeff

[Nick Johns]

You cant get it accurate enough without the correct tracking guage, its a very precise measurement

[Jeff Glasser]

Yeah, I'm sure you're right, especially when you've most likely got slight buckling in the wheel!!

 

Jeff

[Blackpowder44]

Bin it and buy a pushbike. John.

[Jeff Glasser]

That's quite enough from you John, and I suppose by now you know that nobody likes you!:-D

 

Jeff

[Blackpowder44]

If no one likes you then you do not get asked to lend tools and are not pestered by damn fools. John

[Jeff Glasser]

That's why I have'nt got any tools left!

 

Did'nt get a chance to thank you, and the few others that turned up at Dunkeswell 3-4 July. Many promised, but did'nt show. Never mind, it was a new thing, so better luck next year when we'll try again.

 

Jeff

[R Cubed]

Don't forget the correct tyre pressure, I run a 352 GMC with bar grips and had this a few years ago on the fronts, I have since replaced the tyres with new ones and run them at a higher pressure now, more in line with the recommended tyre pressures in the manual. Have not got any sign of it coming back, also have adjusted the tracking to manual spec.

 

Good luck.

[Jeff Glasser]

Thanks R Cubed. I am about to get it checked. Strange you should mention this as the steering has felt a bit spongy lately. It would be nice if this turned out to be something so simple!

 

Jeff