Unusual Front Suspension Issue?

[kdesouza31]

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone else has had this issue. I drive the family around in a 2007 Multivan Highline 2.5tdi.
Last year i changed my wheels and tyres from the standard 17's to Range Rover 20" wheels and put Falken 275-35-20 tyres on. I had it aligned the same day i put the tyres on and now about 8 months later i notice the front left tyre is slightly more worn than the right. It pulls slightly to the left also. Took it to another alignment place and they said something about a suspension component that couldn't be fixed by them and i would have to take it to a suspension place.

Now a few questions if i may please.

Has anyone else had the issue?
Where should i take it? Mechanic, peddars, specialist vw mechanic?
As it's done 180,000kms should i be thinking about replacing some front end components?

Thanks for the help.

Cheers

[Sunny43.5]

I had to change the upper and lower bushes on mine about the 180000mark these are the ones on the top and bottom control arms . I was lucky that Jmac a forum sponsor has a workshop near me at Springwood . I was able to use his hydraulic press to fit the new bushes got the van back to good feel again . I might suggest you check a few other places for alignments , I use Keith 4 Wheels at Underwood they are pretty good , you must also realise it only takes a reasonable bump from a curb or pothole to put the alignment out . Last year I had a rear tyre completely blow out the inside edge it was worn to the wire , 8 months earlier the van had rolled away down the hill at home it mounted the curb which put the rear wheels out of line . At the time I did not realise it had been knocked until the tyre blew out .Check this post .Rear wheel alignment why you should check .

[Umai Naa!!]

T5 is Macpherson strut.

I'd say the rear bush in the front lower control arm is trashed. Worth looking into whether it's cheaper to just replace the whole arm, compared to removing your existing one, and replacing the bush.

[Sunny43.5]

Yes if you go down the DIY you will need the bushes to be removed using the press . Removing the control arms was not too over the top for a home mechanic .

[mudkrab]

I have the same issue on my van. Front left tyre is nearly bald on the outer edge. But rights tyre looks new. Im going to check all my bushings now too

[Sunny43.5]

All above suggestions should be on your check list .

[mudkrab]

What bushes are you guys refering to in this diagram

[LogicprObe]

Even from new, both my Transporters wore different on the front.
I always put it down to doing a lot of U turns.