325 Conv Rear Tire Camber

[JAYJAY1]

HELLO,
THE REAR TIRES ON MY 1995 325 CONV WEAR ON THE INSIDE. THE TIRES APPEAR TO LEAN IN AT THE TOP. IS THIS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE CONV? IS THERE AN ADJUSTMENT FOR THE CAMBER? AS FAR AS I KNOW THE SUSPENSION SET UP IS STOCK.
ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

There is a decent amount of rear negative camber in the stock specifications for every BMW that I've ever seen. I don't know what the stock specs are, but it is noticeable from the outside if you look.

Lowering the car will give you more negative camber, and can result in the tires wearing on the inner shoulder.

Toe-out will give you somewhat twitchy handling and will, in combination with negative camber, eat up the inner edges of the tires in very little time indeed.

I would suggest taking the car to an alignment shop. You might find a little too much negative camber, but I bet you will find toe-out in the rear. You should have a little toe-in.

--DD

[stupenal]

I do not think the rears are adjustable. You'll need to get camber plates (i think Ground Control makes them) to fix that problem. But then again, only those who really slam the car have that problem where they need the camber kit.

[supertack]

Not that this is inequitably the problem, but wheel spacers that have been incorrectly measured will cause parameter tire rub. That's kinda 'reachin', but it's probably worth takin a look.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I'm thinking the problem is actually toe-out. Is there an adjustment for this in the rear? If not, it may be due to worn bushings that will need attention.

Regardless of the actual cause of the wear, it's a good idea to get to a place that can at least check the alignment to see what (if anything) is out of spec. That will give you a direction to start looking in.

You can check the alignment yourself if you find some decently-level pavement and are willing to invest a little money and a bunch of time.

A couple of links to DIY alignment articles that I pulled off of Google:
http://www.shallowsky.com/alignment.html
http://www.vtr.org/maintain/diy-alignment.html

There is also a Tech Article somewhere in the Porsche section of Pelican's site (I find it in the 914 section myself) but the author has made some specific parts from sheet aluminum and that's probably more bother than just a simple check is worth.

And that's what I recommend you do first--check the camber and toe angles of the rear tires.

--DD