Hi Guys,

Been lurking these forums for a month or so since I bought a 98 Civic GLi. I noticed that something in the handling/suspension wasn't right, after blowing out the rear passenger tyre a week after buying it it was discovered that all 4 rims are buckled (assuming the previous owner, a teen aged girl, made a sport of jumping gutters in her spare time - so I'm up for 4 new rims) but i read somewhere either on this forum or from a link on this forum a few nights ago about how tyre heat can indicate different problems with suspension but for the life of me I can't find it again or remember specifics, so today I made the conscious effort to check.

It was only a short drive, about 6km, sealed road with a fair few corners and I purposely drove a bit faster than normal thinking it would help. As soon as i pulled up I went around the car and felt each of the four tyres. The inside inch of both back tyres was noticeably warm while the rest of the tyre, and the front ones, weren't warm to the touch at all. This would have to indicate too much camber wouldn't it? Or possibly toe-out? I've also noticed that on gravel roads it tends to flick more crap than usual up onto the back guards making me think it probably is a camber problem.

If it's one of the two, how hard/expensive is it going to be to fix? I don't know a huge deal about cars, I know the basics e.g: can pull the suspension bits out, name all the main players and give a very basic explanation of what they do, and put them back together, but that's it. And I haven't so much as looked at the set up on this car, or any hondas for that matter.

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help

Edit: In case it matters at all, it's running 205/45 16's. Maybe also worth noting is that I think I'm also experience what I've read to be know as bump steering. On good smooth roads the steering is good and precise, soon as the road gets uneven or there are dips, ruts or whatever it's like the car is trying to steer itself - had a couple of rather sketchy moments thanks to that! 120km/h or so with trees a couple of feet from the sides of the road and suddenly I hit an uneven patch and it's like someone giving a gentle tug on the wheel - and given how light the steering is, a "gentle tug" is enough to get that cold rush through the stomach happening when you're not expecting it lol.

 

Sounds like the car needs an alignment. Too much negative camber would be very easy to spot. Improper toe angle wouldn't, without the aid of an alignment rack. Get the car's alignment checked.

 

Definitely get an alignment as soon as possible, not only does it contribute to tire wear, but also that bumpsteer you're experiencing. Improper camber or toe can cause the heating you're feeling, and improper caster in front is likely the bumpsteer issue you're feeling.