Differing Ride Height At Rear Of Car

[joemac]

Specifics;

Car : 1996 R33 GTST

Owned : 3.5 years

Clock : 175,000k (purchased at 105,000k)

Suspension : standard, 17 inch rims

Funny how one thing leads to another....

I was measuring the ride height of my car today as I was thinking of getting the SydKid group buy and lowering it a tad. As I was doing this I noticed a screw sticking out of the rear tyre. I then preceeded to remove the screw hoping that it did not go in too deep. Not so! However, I was prepared and fitted the space saver (not a good look) while the tyre went flat. As I inspected the tyre I noticed that the inside of the tyre was quite worn (with an undulating pattern to the wear) while the outside was still fine. I checked the other rear tyre and same deal.

Now, 6 months after purchasing the car I had a similar problem with the front tyres. I took the car to Pedders and gave them a lot of money to fix the problem. What I got;

1. Camber adjustment bushes

2. Caster adjustment bushes

3. Wheel alignment (all four)

4. Plus two new front tyres

And to date the front has been sweet with no uneven wear on the tyres.

So, I checked the forum and it could be many things but I'm leaning towards an incorrect toe adjustment. I thought I'd take it back to Pedders to check but I noticed something else. The ride height on the right rear (if your facing the front of the car) is 380mm but the ride height on the left rear is 370mm. The ride height for the right front is 370mm but 375mm for the left front. I'm measuring centre of hub to guard height. Now I'm not sure if this means anything but seems a little strange. And yes, the garage floor is pretty flat. Wondered if this could be a suspension issue (ie: shot shockies)? Or something worse?

Anyway, I need to be mobile and will be getting 2 new tyres fitted to the back and then take it into a suspension specialist at first opportunity. Will post any conclusions once they become available but is anyone is able to shed any light on why ride height might be different?

[Jdfnq]

Measure the difference from the centre of the wheel to the wheelarch

if it's all even, then the driveway was all warped

[Mayuri Krab]

I noticed a similar thing in my car as well...

The right side (the side closest to the exhaust pipe) is a bit higher than the left, although the 2 front ones are about the same (although I used a crappy ruler to measure it so it could be off a bit).

Good luck with the fixing keep us informed on how you go, once I have money I probably get my mechanic to fix it too...

[blind_elk]

Probably the springs getting old and losing a bit of "spring". Try swapping the shock / spring assemblies L->R, R->L

[joemac]

Thanks to those that replied.

Got 2 new rear tyres today. Wheel guy says it could be suspension as they looked quite shagged. I plan on getting the whiteline group buy when Sydney Kid gets back late Jan so will save my pennies for this.

BTW, the wear was only bad on the tyre closest to the exhaust so problem is just affecting one tyre.

[joemac]

Got my suspension replaced today. Fixed the ride height issue. Suspension was completely pooched - including a bent shocker.