Rear tires on my new ride, 78, are both wearing more on the inside edges. Standing way back behind the car you can see it. Bottoms out, tops leaning in. Stopped in at the local Chevy dealer and the service guy didn't get too excited. Said he might be able to fix it some, what ever that means. Also said it could be rear wheel bearings and he pretty much wants nothing to do with that.
Any ideas what I'm up against or suggestions??
Thanks,  Jeff
Jeffm2007-04-24 19:52:24

 Jeff, I'm not a pro at this, but the tire/wheel angle you describe became evident on my '81, only not for a period long enough to wear the tread. My problem was bearings. To avoid serious problems, I'd jack that rear end up and see if there is end play at the spindles. It only takes a few minutes and well worth the effort. Just my thoughts.

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If the rear leaf spring is worn out that's how the tires will sit. I replaced mine with a composite spring and it straightened the wheels right back up. I f the bearings are that bad that's definately an emergency. Best check in to the cause before going much further than the gas station.

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Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.

 
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Could also be the rear strut rods or their bushings.  They are adjusted with an ecentric cam.

[QUOTE=aceinthehole]If the rear leaf spring is worn out that's how the tires will sit. I replaced mine with a composite spring and it straightened the wheels right back up. I f the bearings are that bad that's definately an emergency. Best check in to the cause before going much further than the gas station.[/QUOTE]

How much arch should the leaf spring have? Sitting in the garage with no one in the car and about 3/4 tank of gas I measured  to bottom of each end and then the center of the leaf.  It showed about 3/4 to 7/8 inch  of arch. Don't seem like much to me if you add a couple of people and a suitcase or two. If it turns out I need a spring but want to keep the car as original as possible should I go with steel or is the composite spring so much better as far as ride and everything else that I should say the heck with stock and go composite? I already have SS brakes and Napa belts and hoses, so I guess it ain't totally stock anyway.
Thanks again from a dumb carpenter, if it was wood I could fix it.
Jeff
Also, cars going to a small one man shop tomorrow. He's had a 77 so he's familar with C3's.
Jeffm2007-04-25 14:57:15

If you enjoy sitting and looking at your car, go with the original stuff.

P.S. jeffm..............

Alignment can help some but more than likely your diff yokes are worn out, and need replaced. The yokes are held in by c-clips and can be worn to the point there will be no place for the clips at all. ( mine were) Take the time to at least change seals when you do this. Also check the clutch pack by grabbing the yokes and twisting in opposite directions, if you get any movement then put in a new clutch pack as well. They sell a kit with all seals and new bearings and gasket. I pulled the diff out of the car and payed $300 (labor) to have new gears, yokes, bearings, clutch pack and seals installed.(I furnished the parts) Reinstalled everything else and had it aligned.

Jeff, sounds like the spring is the biggest reason for your problem, but it's important to check and repair all the issues involved with suspension and steering and so on. I've picked up some pretty cheap cars but I always repair the basics first. Brakes, steering, suspension, tires, driveline and body and interior last. I'm not a show guy, I just want my cars to be sound runners so you can head out to where ever with confidence.If money is tight, you can replace the  spring with stock for a 3rd of the price but there is no comparison to the ride of the composite, but they do stress the gas shocks with those. Good luck and let us know how the project comes out. aceinthehole2007-04-25 20:42:14

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Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.

 
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Car's back from the shop today. He pulled the rear wheels back in with the strut rod cams. I took her for a nice ride after and it looks nice and straight back there. He thought the car sat pretty good in the back end and that the spring was ok. The differential has a tiny seepage leak, but that's a project for another day. When I do that I think I'll go for the composite spring. Sounds like a good idea from what I hear from you guys. Also, he thought the wheel bearings were fine.
Car could use tires, so I'll watch the wear on the old ones for a while and get the alinement done with new tires.
Thanks for the tips on dealing with the new car dealers. I didn't feel too good about it after talking to them, and  the advice here confirms its. 

On another note, I work construction outside and this guy has been tormenting us, or me at least, by driving by almost everyday in a red C2.


Jeffm2007-04-26 17:34:21