It is common for vehicles to wear the outer edges on the front tires. This
is dependent on the type of use. A lot of short distance driving with a lot
of turning or parking brings this on. This is due to a combination of the
castor angles, (tires leaning when turning) and the side forces applied to
the tires during turns and cornering. This is the main reason that tire
rotations are recommended.

The Vanagon front end is fairly easy to adjust. In addition to everything
being in order, the adjustments have to be made in sequence as some
adjustments can affect another. Caster gets set first, then camber. Caster
should be checked again if a large camber change was made. Toe gets set
last. Checking caster takes some time so many shops try to avoid checking it
a 2nd time but it should be done.

Adjusting the camber requires some large eccentric washers on the control
arms to move. If they have not been moved in a long time they can require
some considerable force to get them to turn. This may give the impression
that there is no more adjustment left. The 2wd vans have plenty. Some
Syncros are right at the edge to get the ideal -.5 degree.

Well designed radial tires really do not change the wear pattern based on
inflation unless you are really way off. By that point tire heating (under
inflation) or really hard ride (over inflation) will be more of a concern.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
William Greenamyer
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 8:09 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Front tire wear

For a long time now, I noticed that the edges of the tires in the front
(1984 GL) wear much more than in the back.  I never thought of asking about
this before because I assumed that it was probably something to do with the
alignment.  On thinking about it now, alignment normally would wear one
side.  The tires look like they have been run under inflated which can cause
the edge wear but I keep the tires really up on the pressure so I am
guessing it is something to do with the way turns are made.  Wear is even on
the inside and outside edges of both front tires.  Anyone have any other
input on this?

William