My drivers side, front tyre has worn incredibly badly since new a year ago. The first 30mm is as smooth as smooth can be, to be honest, worn almost to the point where the tyre feels thin at that point. An accident waiting to happen.

I assume its the wishbones that need changing...and a new bloody tyre but could the tracking be SO far out that I would get the same result.

duggs wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 01:18:

...but could the tracking be SO far out that I would get the same result.

S'possible, the Omega is a big heavy car that will soon scrub a tyre if the suspension is not properly set up, I think there is a company that specialize in the Omega suspension geometry, they come highly recommended on this site... Wheels In Motion is their name.

if the tracking was that far out you would feel it pulling, i would say you need a geometric setup camber e.t.c and would check the wishbones, seems to be as these cars get older they lose theirsettings as everything begins to sag!!

"geometric setup camber e.t.c"

Is that tracking and such and can normal tyre fitting companies do this ?

duggs wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 01:56:

"geometric setup camber e.t.c" Is that tracking and such and can normal tyre fitting companies do this ?

No!

Tracking alone sorts about 10% of handling issues on the omega, although the toe setting (tracking) is important. See FAQ section for info, but there could be a couple of causes from a worn part to a set up issue or both.

OOOOOOOOO   sod !

Odds are though, given her history, that she's still on the original wishbones, the tyre is toast in any event SO guess I'll book her in for an MOT over the next couple of days. The mechanic does a pre-mot inspection so I'll get a new tyre and probably the wishbones done first and see how I go.

Once any parts are replaced you must get a full geometry setup done. I think WIM have a franchise in Colchester but I go to Chesham... Well worth the trip!

Do you know who/where in Colchester the franchise is Paul ?
Mine seems fine at the minute, but I could possibly need it at some time in the future. :-/

Albs wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 12:16:

Do you know who/where in Colchester the franchise is Paul ? Mine seems fine at the minute, but I could possibly need it at some time in the future. :-/

No idea! Johnnycboy used them before they were a WIM franchise. Check the website.

And may I ad please god take a couple of mins every once in a while to look at the condition of things like tyres!

To admit you've got a patch as bald as you say is brave, as wear at those levels could cost someone's life, or at least a very nasty brush with the law. Very glad to hear that the first person to notice that level of wear was yourself.

Please don't think I'm giving you a 'holy than thou' lecture, its the outside inch or so, not like its the full width of the tyre; but I'm sure we'll all be sneaking out now just to check the wear of our own rubber, just in case... :y

Lazydocker wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 12:36:

Albs wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 12:16: Do you know who/where in Colchester the franchise is Paul ? Mine seems fine at the minute, but I could possibly need it at some time in the future. :-/ No idea! Johnnycboy used them before they were a WIM franchise. Check the website.

Hi albs, "sts tyre pro" are in braintree and are part of black-boots, part of WIM. have used them before for work on other cars, must get the mig down there at some point.

:y

Wim may have a franchise down there by now, but the oof discount is only available at wim chesham.

If you have a Jack raise the front on stands and wiggle the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock etc and lever the wishbone bushes around looking for splits in the rubber....

....and see

Here...
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1283124735

Diamond Black Geezer wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 13:44:

And may I ad please god take a couple of mins every once in a while to look at the condition of things like tyres! To admit you've got a patch as bald as you say is brave, as wear at those levels could cost someone's life, or at least a very nasty brush with the law. Very glad to hear that the first person to notice that level of wear was yourself. Please don't think I'm giving you a 'holy than thou' lecture, its the outside inch or so, not like its the full width of the tyre; but I'm sure we'll all be sneaking out now just to check the wear of our own rubber, just in case... :y

I didnt know God was in the business of checking cars over, but thanks for the advice.

Its a camber issue on dugg's car (assuming its the one I saw a few months back).  Duggs - you were supposed to keep an eye on inner shoulder wear, as it looked like it had a load of camber.


Obviously, check nothing is worn before paying for alignment (NOT tracking!), so you don't need to realign again fixing worn components

If a few months ago was last December then it could well have been me...I was over at your house to have the display changed from a GID to a MID but as said that was last Xmas not a few months ago.

Also, in fairness Jamie, I don't remember it being discusssed back then in any event.

BUT....I have a small confession which from Chrisgixers posts NOW seems important...

Namely :  For the past year, since and before having new tyres on the front, I have to have the wheel turned to about "2 o'clock" for the car to go straight and it DOES seem to follow the camber of the road quite a bit while driving...DUH !   Might have been an idea to have mentioned that in my question huh.

So does this lead towards a "tracking" problem ?

duggs wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 21:07:

If a few months ago was last December then it could well have been me...I was over at your house to have the display changed from a GID to a MID but as said that was last Xmas not a few months ago. Also, in fairness Jamie, I don't remember it being discusssed back then in any event. BUT....I have a small confession which from Chrisgixers posts NOW seems important... Namely :  For the past year, since and before having new tyres on the front, I have to have the wheel turned to about "2 o'clock" for the car to go straight and it DOES seem to follow the camber of the road quite a bit while driving...DUH !   Might have been an idea to have mentioned that in my question huh. So does this lead towards a "tracking" problem ?

Burgandy Estate?  IIRC your daughter was with you, and you were off to Pizza Hut?

If so, I remember it looking like the camber was a bit out (just purely by looking, nothing scientific), and I remember chatting about it - it had new front tyres on at the time, so we couldn't tell if it was wearing quickly.

That said, we did chat about quite a lot of different things :y

F1 9LFG wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 13:46:

Lazydocker wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 12:36: Albs wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 12:16: Do you know who/where in Colchester the franchise is Paul ? Mine seems fine at the minute, but I could possibly need it at some time in the future. :-/ No idea! Johnnycboy used them before they were a WIM franchise. Check the website. Hi albs, "sts tyre pro" are in braintree and are part of black-boots, part of WIM. have used them before for work on other cars, must get the mig down there at some point. :y

Cheers will bear that in mind. :y

He he he he...EVERYTHING you recalled was correct...except the car.

She's a metallic jet black saloon....but all the other memories are correct.

So !   Is camber, wishbone related and/or is the fact that a have to steer to 2 o'clock to keep her straight and she often wishes to slide to the left all the time potencially a tracking problem.

I haven't got the money for a ful geometry test BUT I'll have to get at least one new tyre amd WILL get the tracking sorted. I HATE to have to steer right to go straight. Foolishly I never got it sorted and now it's buggered up a fairly good tyre.  Darn !

I'd suggest checking out the wishbones for wear - if they're original, I bet they're worn..

Either way, surely a full alignment (which you don't have money for, you say) is cheaper than eating tyres prematurely? ;)

duggs wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 21:29:

He he he he...EVERYTHING you recalled was correct...except the car. She's a metallic jet black saloon....but all the other memories are correct. So !   Is camber, wishbone related and/or is the fact that a have to steer to 2 o'clock to keep her straight and she often wishes to slide to the left all the time potencially a tracking problem. I haven't got the money for a ful geometry test BUT I'll have to get at least one new tyre amd WILL get the tracking sorted. I HATE to have to steer right to go straight. Foolishly I never got it sorted and now it's buggered up a fairly good tyre.  Darn !

Bugger, could have sworn it was that dark/wine red ;D.  Had I been drinking at that point ;D ;D

Don't bother wasting money on tracking. Honestly.

However, before paying for a geometry check, look at chrisgixers guides etc, just to see if you have anything that needs changing before.

I'm sure if you need a 2nd opinion on anything, there are some helpful nearby members ;)

TheBoy wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 20:28:

Its a camber issue on dugg's car (assuming its the one I saw a few months back).  Duggs - you were supposed to keep an eye on inner shoulder wear, as it looked like it had a load of camber. Obviously, check nothing is worn before paying for alignment (NOT tracking!), so you don't need to realign again fixing worn components

I think you mean a full geometry check/setup as alignment is not enough either.

Dave Elite wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 21:39:

TheBoy wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 20:28: Its a camber issue on dugg's car (assuming its the one I saw a few months back).  Duggs - you were supposed to keep an eye on inner shoulder wear, as it looked like it had a load of camber. Obviously, check nothing is worn before paying for alignment (NOT tracking!), so you don't need to realign again fixing worn components I think you mean a full geometry check/setup as alignment is not enough either.

Alignment is a generic term, though admit its probably easily confused with 4 wheel alignment etc. I did indeed mean a full geometry check :y

The way you were handling that soldering iron I strongly suspect you were completely sober.

I'm still curious as to the steering being quite a bit off and the car often pulling to the left...

That said,  I assume if they change the wishbones then they'll need to check tracking and alignment in any event. I'm sure they did on my old Mig.

TheBoy wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 21:34:

duggs wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 21:29: He he he he...EVERYTHING you recalled was correct...except the car. She's a metallic jet black saloon....but all the other memories are correct. So !   Is camber, wishbone related and/or is the fact that a have to steer to 2 o'clock to keep her straight and she often wishes to slide to the left all the time potencially a tracking problem. I haven't got the money for a ful geometry test BUT I'll have to get at least one new tyre amd WILL get the tracking sorted. I HATE to have to steer right to go straight. Foolishly I never got it sorted and now it's buggered up a fairly good tyre.  Darn ! Bugger, could have sworn it was that dark/wine red ;D.  Had I been drinking at that point ;D ;D Don't bother wasting money on tracking. Honestly. However, before paying for a geometry check, look at chrisgixers guides etc, just to see if you have anything that needs changing before. I'm sure if you need a 2nd opinion on anything, there are some helpful nearby members ;)

Think that was aimed at me ::) ::) ::)

Chris, if you want me to cast an eye over it all give me a ring... We'll sort something :y

To add to the other comments: If you don't get the full geometry done you will just tear through another tyre. You do need to try and find the pennies to get it done :y

duggs wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 21:42:

The way you were handling that soldering iron I strongly suspect you were completely sober. I'm still curious as to the steering being quite a bit off and the car often pulling to the left... That said,  I assume if they change the wishbones then they'll need to check tracking and alignment in any event. I'm sure they did on my old Mig.

Dont change wishbones unless they are knackered.

Seriously consider Lazydocker's generous offer ;)

TheBoy wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 21:49:

duggs wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 21:42: The way you were handling that soldering iron I strongly suspect you were completely sober. I'm still curious as to the steering being quite a bit off and the car often pulling to the left... That said,  I assume if they change the wishbones then they'll need to check tracking and alignment in any event. I'm sure they did on my old Mig. Dont change wishbones unless they are knackered. Seriously consider Lazydocker's generous offer ;)

Yep... Might not be able to get anything changed quickly enough (if needed) but will happily check it all over for you. Only takes about half an hour including the tea and biccies ::) :y

Paul !   PM sent.

duggs wrote on 07. Nov 2010 at 22:32:

Paul !   PM sent.

Not received anything... Try again.

Hello to everybody. Did someone post that there was a wim depot opening in Bolton. Lancs? if it has can anyone tell me where it is please. Mel.

Sailed through the MOT today. Tyre wear seems to have been down to a flubbered track rod.

Wheels were realigned, not I'm actually go straight when the steering wheels going straight..o joy.

how do you drive straight ive never been able to get that right in an omega  ;D :y

Straight within 5ft tolerance either way...kinda like a swaying motion.

duggs wrote on 10. Nov 2010 at 00:32:

Sailed through the MOT today. Tyre wear seems to have been down to a flubbered track rod. Wheels were realigned, not I'm actually go straight when the steering wheels going straight..o joy.

No, if your tyres were wearing on inner edge, that is camber. Only camber. Sorry.

when it comes to tracking if your wheels "toe in" it wears outer edge and if your wheels "toe out" it wears inner edge  ::)

If the track rod was flubbered, pushing the RH wheel out of alignment, would that not have the same effect. The left hand tyre was generally ok...just worn down throughout.

I thought, perhaps wrongly, that a track rod helps to keep a wheel running true and if it fails or is set wrong then the wheels will not sit correctly or "run inline together".

wrote on 10. Nov 2010 at 18:58:

when it comes to tracking if your wheels "toe in" it wears outer edge and if your wheels "toe out" it wears inner edge  ::)

IIRC the book of lies used to include a set of pictures showing tyre wear. There was probably an example of what you have described but the pictures were of skinny cross ply tyres.

Tracking bad enough to cause the inner edge wear that Omegas are prone to with modern tyres would result in truly horrible steering.

I drove an Omega for several years and paid for '4 wheel alignment' by people who should have known better but didn't discover the cause of my tyre wear until I joined OOF fairly recently.

Tracking is important but camber is the thing that destroys Omega tyres and almost no-one (with the notable exception of WIM) can be trusted to get it right. >:(

wrote on 10. Nov 2010 at 18:58:

when it comes to tracking if your wheels "toe in" it wears outer edge and if your wheels "toe out" it wears inner edge  ::)

Not shoulder edge wear ;)

Andy H wrote on 10. Nov 2010 at 20:57:

wrote on 10. Nov 2010 at 18:58: when it comes to tracking if your wheels "toe in" it wears outer edge and if your wheels "toe out" it wears inner edge  ::) IIRC the book of lies used to include a set of pictures showing tyre wear. There was probably an example of what you have described but the pictures were of skinny cross ply tyres. Tracking bad enough to cause the inner edge wear that Omegas are prone to with modern tyres would result in truly horrible steering. I drove an Omega for several years and paid for '4 wheel alignment' by people who should have known better but didn't discover the cause of my tyre wear until I joined OOF fairly recently. Tracking is important but camber is the thing that destroys Omega tyres and almost no-one (with the notable exception of WIM) can be trusted to get it right. >:(

well if your refering to an haynes manual Ive never looked in 1 i get my knowlegde from experience and after owning just about every car vauxhall have made between 1980-2000 (in excess of 300) with wheels ranging from 145x55x13 upto 345x25x20 i know quite well about tyre wear from the road and the track and the skid pan and from what is described sounds like a tracking issue but looking at my screen i could be wrong i cant see the tyre in question from here  :P

TheBoy wrote on 11. Nov 2010 at 18:35:

wrote on 10. Nov 2010 at 18:58: when it comes to tracking if your wheels "toe in" it wears outer edge and if your wheels "toe out" it wears inner edge  ::) Not shoulder edge wear ;)

now shoulder edge wear is a whole different ball game usually caused by weak springs or too much lowering which causes bad camber also steering idler arms cause shoulder wear along with failed wheel bearings  8-)

Duggs, trust me, you need to get a full geometry check done by WIM or one of the franchises ASAP :y :y

does anyone know a reliable place in or near glasgow to have a geometric check done?

wrote on 12. Nov 2010 at 00:58:

TheBoy wrote on 11. Nov 2010 at 18:35: wrote on 10. Nov 2010 at 18:58: when it comes to tracking if your wheels "toe in" it wears outer edge and if your wheels "toe out" it wears inner edge  ::) Not shoulder edge wear ;) now shoulder edge wear is a whole different ball game usually caused by weak springs or too much lowering which causes bad camber also steering idler arms cause shoulder wear along with failed wheel bearings  8-)

Everything on the car will wear over time, plus Vauxhalls awful factory spec (too wide, and mid point gives too much camber), but the wear is pretty irrelevant - its how the car sits with those components.

In this case, it is most definately CAMBER - I've seen the car ;)


To be honest, with Omega, a variety of things come together (age, poor factory spec, the fact most will have had new suspension components, wear etc) making tracking a waste of time and money.  Full geometry (about double cost of tracking) is the sensible option :y


Lastly, not a fault with tracking, but the monkeys at tyre places, Omega has steering box, not rack, and this MUST be central, as I'm sure you know. Shame the monkeys don't, so I'd always use a geometry specialist on that basis alone.