Sorento Camber or Tracking Problem?

carlso63 · 06-26-2008, 12:07 AM

Hi out there - my first post here... very happy to find this forum as I have not found too much online re: Kia Maintenance, etc. until now...

Here's my problem:

Uneven tire wear. Front tires wearing heavy on inside edges (both tires) only - about the same amount of wear on each front tire... outside edges on both look almost like new. No uneven wear apparent on rears.

From the drivers seat, I do not notice any pulling to either side, truck drives pretty much straight, no unusual noise or issues when braking or turning, either.

Originally thought this was a "camber issue" - but is it actually a "tracking" problem? (I always thought "tracking" referred to whether a vehicle traveled straight or went right or left when you let go of the steering wheel... but what do I know?

)

How do I adjust whichever one it is - or at least what / where can I check to determine if an adjustment is needed or a part is damaged?

I'd like to hear from someone here first before I naively hand over the keys to the dealer and get told I need X - hundred dollars worth of work / parts without being able to verify it myself.

THANKS!!!

Derek · 06-26-2008, 01:24 AM

In all seriousness I think the only way you'll get an answer is by putting it on an alignment machine. I don't know enough about these things to tell you if it's camber or castor or toe in or kiss my foot, but I do know enough to tell you that without the right machinery nobody can be certain. If your dealer has an alignment machine I'd take it there, but if not I'd go direct to a tyre shop that does have.

Cheers

pistnbroke · 06-27-2008, 06:38 PM

If the wear is on the inside of both fronts you have too much toe out ...any wheel alignment place can fix this ..just two bolts to adjust .I advise paralled to 2mm toe in and maybe get the tyres turned on the rims....If you have wear on the inside on one and the outside of the other then its camber ...more difficult to adjust without proper tools

04SorentoLX · 06-28-2008, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pistnbroke

If the wear is on the inside of both fronts you have too much toe out ...any wheel alignment place can fix this ..just two bolts to adjust .I advise paralled to 2mm toe in and maybe get the tyres turned on the rims....If you have wear on the inside on one and the outside of the other then its camber ...more difficult to adjust without proper tools

I agree. Thou flipping tires on rims is a debateable issue in many areas. Some say it is ok other say it is a big NO NO. I happen to subscribe to the idea that once a tire beds in (200 miles or less with tires hot) its cords in one set load bearing/rotation direction it is not wise to change them 180 degrees. If you do only local driving(45mph) I see no real hazzard. But if you do drive highspeed (65-70mph) I would never do it. That is just why most tire dealers ask you when you buy dual sided tires which one you want out. As after the bed in they are really not happy flipping them for future trouble sake. And before anyone squacks about what if i do not know how i will like it raised white letters/white walls or raised black letters. I said bed in. They will mount them for looks both ways if that floats your boat. Or one way on one side and the other on other. That way you only dismount/remount two. But they will not flip them after the vech leaves the lot. But this is all up to you. Me I would not do it. Put them on rear.

webbo71 · 06-30-2008, 02:35 PM

Had same problem with my 2004 EX (mainly because custom 18" rims and tires). If you customized rims or tires from the OEMs, definately have the tow/camber adjusted ASAP. The front assemblies are wacky on these Kia Sorentos; took forever to find rims that would have proper fit. After 2 trys, Goodyear fixed the alignment problem last year and so far, so good...on my NEW tires.

carlso63 · 06-30-2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pistnbroke

If the wear is on the inside of both fronts you have too much toe out ...any wheel alignment place can fix this ..just two bolts to adjust .I advise paralled to 2mm toe in and maybe get the tyres turned on the rims....If you have wear on the inside on one and the outside of the other then its camber ...more difficult to adjust without proper tools

OK then, so wear to both front tires, both on the inside tread is actually a toe problem? Who knew??? (well, you guys did!)

I just put 2 new front tires on it today - the old ones actually wore down on the inside treads to the point of exposing some of the steel belts

after only about 30K miles (on 70K rated tires, no less!)... I will make an appointment at the alignment shop for this weekend at the latest... just wanted a little insight so that the shop doesn't try any of that "...you need X hundred dollars worth of parts as the wear pattern means your 'thingy' is broken and your 'doo dad' is all bent..."

Thanks guys!!!

04SorentoLX · 07-02-2008, 04:10 PM

NAh Carlos it is a simple matter of getting a really good shop to do a really good align on it. You might have parts that are worn but not likely. Only thing they might sauy is you need a shim package if that is the case. But not really on most vech these days. Jsut needs to be broke free and really adjust properly on a four way rack. Anything less is a waste of money. Look for at least $80 to 100. I kinow it is alot but that is what good shops charge for GOOD 4 wheel align rack work on a truck/suv. Takes over an hour to hour and half or more to do it right with setup on rack and doing it and such back off rack. If they do it in 30 mins start to finish it was not a good one.

webbo71 · 07-05-2008, 11:57 AM

I forgot to add, definately have ALL 4 wheels checked and aligned. Replaced 2 front after 30,000 miles

. Also, anyone interested, I'm running Yokohamas on my 2004 EX and love em'...pricey though.

pistnbroke · 07-05-2008, 04:51 PM

first you carnt align the rears so foget that
Second if the guy carnt do it ( tracking that is ) in 15 min he wants the sack. You dont want a full alignment check just the tracking adjusted which is known to be out ...2mm toe in is what to go for and then watch the wear pattern and if neccessary have it moved a little .....wear on inside ..too much toe out ....wear on outside too much toe in .....wear on one wheel inside and other outside camber/kpi out ...There are arrows on the eccentric adjusters for the wishbones which should all be pointing upwards....one of mine was 30 deg out from the factory and caused funny wear and cornering ...

nstoolman1 · 07-05-2008, 08:24 PM

I just took my 03 in and I watched them put it on the machine and checked all 4 positions. There are ajustments that can be made. I'm not saying they have to be adjusted every time but you should check them. Every time you clobber a curb or a big pothole you could knock them out of kilter. With the machines they have today an alignment can be done pretty quick. Just my .02 worth.