Interpreting tire wear

[BenI]

I was under the car yesterday and noticed that all 4 tires were worn the same way. They are all worn down on the inside tread. The wear seems even and very similar between tires. This suggests to me that all 4 tires are tilted in at the top. I have bigger tires then stock-I believe 205s ,but the rest of the suspension is unaltered as far as I know. I have worked on just about everything but the suspension so my understanding is limited. Does this evidence suggest the need for a 4-wheel alignment or is it something more like needing new springs? Any guidance is helpful-thanks!

Ben

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

If you like the ride height where it is, then don't get new springs. Just get a four-wheel alignment. Make sure that whomever you go to knows what a 914 is, and has the shims that are used to set the rear camber! (You probably need less negative camber if the tires are worn like that, and that means you need more shim than you have in the back.)

Too much negative camber, possibly combined with some toe-out, are causing the wear you see.

I actually have an alignment that is probably like what your car has now. I even out the tire wear by driving aggressively. This wears the outer shoulders, you see....

--DD