Camber?

[bholmes]

The insides of my rear tires seem to be wearing faster than any other part of the tire, and the rear tire wears faster than the front, especially on the inner tread area. Is this due to camber? What can I do to fix that, is there a camber adjustment?

[Techno Duck]

Unless you are running excessive camber (something noticable to the eye) its probably your toe / thrust angle being out of whack. Probably too much toe out. All of which is adjustable and could possibly be done at home with alot of patience. Its probably better to just spend the $100 or so it costs and take it to a alignment place. Seriously consider taking it to a place that specialized in Euro cars.. as many places will have no idea how to adjust the thrust angle in the rear. A special tool is needed to do the adjustment. Likely if they know how to do old VW Bug's.. they should have no problem with the 944.

[bholmes]

Any tips on how to do it at home if I were to be so brave? I might know of a place that works on euro cars around here locally so I may check his pricing. Would he need a special machine to check the thrust angle or just the tool? Where is the tool available from? Any part numbers? Thanks for the help!

[Techno Duck]

Basically any shop that has a alignment rack (Hunter is one of the best) can check the alignment values. You need special tool P221.

Poke around online for DIY alignments. Many guides are floating around. Basically you need some wax paper, string and need to take a few measurements. Doing it this way is as accurate, if not more accurate that a alignment rack..if you do it right.

[bholmes]

Sounds like a good deal! I am always game for a good DIY, but I think I'll enjoy driving it first, I've been down for almost a month now resealing the top end.

[mlue]

I bought my P221 tool from Pelican Parts last month, I'm a long way from being an expert at aligning the 944 but so far it has been fun. Do some reading before you mess with it because the nuts/bolts adjust Ride Height, Camber and Toe so you need to know which does what. The number one thing I have learnt since getting the P221 tool is "always adjust Camber before Toe".

The tool basically adjusts the position of the rear trailing arm to get toe-in or toe-out. If you picture a T with the bottom or "base" of the T bolted to the car as reference... toe is adjusted by moving the top of the T forward or backward in relation to the base... see how the angle ot the top of the T changes... thats what happens to the wheel.

Have fun!

[bholmes]

Good way to help me visualize. I will read up on it alot soon I'm sure, but first I think I'm going to put my timing belt on tonight when my dad gets home with it and go for a spin! it's been too long! thanks for all the tips though. I suspicion someone has messed with the suspension on the car before and that's why the tires are wearing odd. Seems that the ride height is a little lower back there than it should be....does that sound right for abnormal wear on the inside of the rear tire?