One front wheel slanting inwards...

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Harrris303

Active Member
Posts
181
Hi guys, I've recently noticed that the front left wheel of my S3 lightweight appears to be slanting inwards. As far as I can tell there's nothing wrong with the other three.
Since i've been working on it it's been tucked away in a corner so I've only just noticed, and I'm assuming whoever was driving it before me (my sister) gave it a good knock at some point.
My question is how does one go about sorting this out? Or would it be better to get a garage to deal with it properly? Because although I know a fair bit about the engine and general running, I've never really had to deal with steering or axles etc.
I'm fairly confident I could give it a go, but it depends on what equipment I'd need, and how precise it needs to be. (Plus it needs to be done properly for the obvious safety reasons...)
Any advice would be much appreciated, cheers.
 
Ok, I've actually replaced the bearings on the other side and removed the half shaft just out of curiosity so I think I can give it a go.
Cheers.
 
Yeah sorry, meant to mention that the wheel doesn't wobble when spun, and it always slants inwards at the bottom
 
Sounds like buggered wheel bearings or a worn out top bush - it's unlikely to be a bent axle (but you never know...). Check the ball to axle bolts are tight. Jack up the wheel and have a feel for any play, horizontal play is wheel bearings, vertical play is wheel bearings plus swivel bearings. Have a look at the condition of the seal and ball 'cos once you're in that deep you might as well go the whole way.
 
I've got exactly the same issue - positive camber on my front offside wheel. I'm informed that if the swivel bearing is seriouly worn, it would normally cause negative camber (wheel out at the bottom).

I jacked the front axle off the ground last weekend and couldn't really find any real movement but did find a rumbling wheel bearing on the opposite side - unrelated I think. My next port of call is to check the swivel pin adjustment (shims).

Apparently another cause of positive camber is if a swivel ball is fitted upside down or a bent axle. Mine drives fine - no wheel death wobble or unusual noises and steers straight. Mystery at the moment!

I read somewhere that series landy's have a 2%positive camber where as newer defenders is 0%. Don't know how true that is though
 
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Thanks for the help guys, that'll give me something to work with over the weekend. Hopefully it's nothing too serious...
 
I think if the tracking was out I would get incorrect tyre ware on both sides.
Will check the swivel pins and see but will probably really need a strip down. If I'm doing that I might as well replace balls & seals. Hoping to hold off that job until end of year.
 
Not sure about the tracking, that's a bit of a grey area for me.

Still haven't had a chance to jack it up and check for play in the wheel etc. I'll post again when I've had a look over the weekend
 
Hi all, back again. Finally got round to jacking up the problem wheel and there doesn't seem to be any play at all. Everything seems fairly secure.
 
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