Bad wheel Alignment or Control Arm Issue?

[pandlsm]

My 2013 Disco 4 SDV6 HSE had a wheel alignment back in May. I was a bit suspect at the local tyre shop when I asked if they would put the vehicle in tight tolerance mode and they replied "what's that?". I explained and they reassured me they had done plenty of landrovers in the past. I borrowed a GAP tool and put the vehicle into TTM before the alignment and took it out afterwards. Cost of the alignment was $90.

However now 6 months later the threads on the passenger side front and rear tyres are wearing to bald on the outer rims. I regularly check the tyre pressures to ensure they are not under inflated.

The car has done 92K and there are no audible "knocks" while driving over speed humps nor any leaks from the control arm bushes. At the last service a couple of weeks ago the mechanics didn't pick anything up either but recently another mechanic reckoned the control arms will cause the corresponding tyre wear. True enough but I now need new tyres before rego next month and wondering if the control arms will need to be replaced after I spend a motza on new tyres and a wheel alignment. The latest quote for the wheel alignment from another tyre shop was $168, so I assume this applies to doing it properly if it was not done so before. Any clues or advice is welcome.

[PerthDisco]

On the hoist with a pry bar it becomes obvious if the rear LCA bush is shot. At those kms I had an alignment shop refuse to do the alignment after getting new tyres and showed me the movement. It’s something they should do as a basic check on while under the car considering ’free safety checks’ are what most offer to solicit tyre, brake and suspension repair work.

[josh.huber]

Did you rotate the tyres at all? If not then that's what happens in my experience. I rotate at 5000 KMs now.. Used to be 10k but I'm trying to prevent extra shouldering. It's the price you pay for the tiny turning circle

[Eric SDV6SE]

I'd be suspect of the "alignment" done. You seem to have kept a close eye on the other culprits (tyre pressure, LCA's etc.)

The fact that the workshop had no idea of the TTM required tells me they may also not have had the right set points for a Disco in their alignment system computer, so they've aligned to their "best guess" and hoped you havent noticed or by the time its too late.

I'd be taking my business elsewhere.

[PerthDisco]

I'd be suspect of the "alignment" done. You seem to have kept a close eye on the other culprits (tyre pressure, LCA's etc.)

The fact that the workshop had no idea of the TTM required tells me they may also not have had the right set points for a Disco in their alignment system computer, so they've aligned to their "best guess" and hoped you havent noticed or by the time its too late.

I'd be taking my business elsewhere.

To be honest I’ve had wheel alignment done 5 or more times and only once in TTM and never had a problem getting 70k+ kms from D697 and not rotating either (always on to do list). Never met a tyre shop that has heard of TTM including Tyrepower Osborne Park that has been doing Discos since 2005 for next door LR dealer. The once I got the dealer next door to put it in TTM before taking to TP next door and even the dealer did not know what this TTM thing was I was asking for but charged me $60 for the privilege.

Outside of this forum no one has heard of TTM.

[letherm]

I see that you're in Sydney.

I go to Davis Performance Landies in Windsor for my services now that I'm out of warranty.

Had the same issue with tyre wear after going to the dealer recommended local tyre shop whilst in warranty. Wear on the outside tread of one tyre and the car pulled to the left slightly. Dealer said that was not unusual but it had tracked straight before. Bruce did a wheel alignment and it ran straight as though on rails. Might be worth a chat with him, he's up front with what needs to be done and I'm personally happy with taking my car there.

Martin

[Eric SDV6SE]

BTW now at 204000km, bought it with 88,000km on the clock, now on second set of tyres since i bought it, first cooper zeons now Maxxis 980's 50% worn. Hasnt had or needed a wheel alignment since the LCA's were changed out at 120,000km.

Rotate tyres approx every 5000km

If it ain't broke....

[Wojer]

I see that you're in Sydney.

I go to Davis Performance Landies in Windsor for my services now that I'm out of warranty.

Had the same issue with tyre wear after going to the dealer recommended local tyre shop whilst in warranty. Wear on the outside tread of one tyre and the car pulled to the left slightly. Dealer said that was not unusual but it had tracked straight before. Bruce did a wheel alignment and it ran straight as though on rails. Might be worth a chat with him, he's up front with what needs to be done and I'm personally happy with taking my car there.

Martin

Highly recommend Davis Landies.
I'm on the Cenral Coast/Lower Hunter & use Getit Automotive, a Land Rover specialist.

Had knocking on my D4 which was the bushes in the Control Arms which need replacing around 120-150k depending on activity.
Qucker & easier to replace the complete arm rather than pressing bushes out & back in, little cost difference?

[pandlsm]

Did you rotate the tyres at all? If not then that's what happens in my experience. I rotate at 5000 KMs now.. Used to be 10k but I'm trying to prevent extra shouldering. It's the price you pay for the tiny turning circle

Thanks for the reply. I haven't rotated the tyres on the Disco as yet having read that the routine Land Rover service schedule has rotating the tyres on each axle only. On my previous Toyota Prado I did a full rotation including the spare. When you rotate do you only swap tyres on the same axle or include the spare in a diagonal pattern? Thanks.

[josh.huber]

I leave the spare because mine is only just legal.

My rears go straight forward and my fronts go to opposite rear