Golf GT Sport - 1.4k on clock - Bald tyres..... (problem sorted!)

[Pete Smith]

Hi,
 
New to the forum. Hope to stick around. Let me tell you about my first experience of VW.
 

 
Purchased a Golf GT Sport (4 months old, 1.1k on the clock) about three weeks ago from the local Ford garage (it was taken as a trade in from an old women who could get used to the power, and I got it dirt cheap. When I bought it, I looked all over and checked just the front tyres (on a fwd with 1.1k on the clock.. I guess thats all you would do).
 
The other weekend, I washed it and found the rear tyres to have some seriously illegal uneven tyre wear. The inner edges of both rear tyres are bald.
 
I took it straight to Ford, who got it on the ramps and suspected that the rear camber is out. (I heard this is a common problem). They sugested I took it to VW so they could have a look at it. I asked Ford if they had changed the tyres at all (and no they haven't) I also checked the locking wheel nut key, and that also looks brand new and unused.
 
Well, VW weren't much use at all. The fact that a brand new car has major major tyre wear doesn't matter to them. I would have to foot the bill for wheel alignment check and if they where out, VW would pay for the allignment check and help to put money towards tyres. But surely it is a manufacturing defect? How can camber be out on both wheels after 4 months of driving 1.1k miles..
 
So back to Ford I go. Ford are phoning VW customer services in the morning for me.
 
I can see this been a right pain in the ******* ****.
 
Anyone else had a similar experience?

[paulm007]

VW won't care mate, they never sold you the car so couldnt care less I would reckon!

[NewGolf]

Hi Pete
Welcome to the forum, firstly.
I personally would take this to another VW dealer if you aren't getting anywhere, its still under warrenty and as such VW have a duty of care to deal with this under its warrenty. The rears are adjustable so possibly a decent alignment could sort this issue out, you should even push for replacement tyres (I would).

Let us know how you get on.

[Hurdy]

Welcome to the forum Pete

I've not heard of this being a common issue. IMO it is rare.

I have a few suspiscions based on your initial post

1. The old lady who sold it couldn't get used to the extra power - this smacks of a possible accident - have you checked the car through - inside the boot well is a good place to look.

2. You say the wheels and bolts look as if they haven't been touched. - again this could be the case if  one or both were replaced after an accident - say hitting a pavement.

3. Got it dirt cheap - again it sounds a little too good to be true.

I hope I'm on the wrong track, but you do need to check if you haven't already

[Pete Smith]

Welcome to the forum Pete

I've not heard of this being a common issue. IMO it is rare.

I have a few suspiscions based on your initial post

1. The old lady who sold it couldn't get used to the extra power - this smacks of a possible accident - have you checked the car through - inside the boot well is a good place to look.

2. You say the wheels and bolts look as if they haven't been touched. - again this could be the case if  one or both were replaced after an accident - say hitting a pavement.

3. Got it dirt cheap - again it sounds a little too good to be true.

I hope I'm on the wrong track, but you do need to check if you haven't already

First thing I checked was damage around the spare wheel floor. The wheels are clean - but got tar on them, they do look 1.4k old. Car was cheap as the garage where selling it back to VW finance the next day. I jumped in and bought it at the price they paid for trade in (+£300). It was quite legitimate.

The car felt right, the paint is factory, and the car is otherwise immaculate.

I know what you're saying, but I don't think this is the case! (Hopefully)

[TagnuT]

Have heard of uneven rear tyre wear due to dodgy bearings.

[Pete Smith]

But surely not after 1.4K? Seems to be quiet on the road too (non of the grinding bearing noises).

I'm lost as what it could be apart from ill setup camber.

[john_o]

ok , heres my 2p
It is possible for the tyres to be that bald if the camber is that bad
However , I cant see how a car would leave VW that badly misaligned.

So either

1: It did leave VW that way

Long shot but are the suspension delivery blocks still in?
Does the car handle OK , because if the rear camber is that bad , you should be able to get oversteer VERY easily and downright dangerous in the wet.
If not then maye its not out at all


2: It didnt and the wheels are off another car.


Check for susp blocks first , then Id get it into an alignment place for a check for your sanity.
If it IS the camber then Id be looking for something missed as its on both sides!

Are you sure the mileage is genuine? I would also attempt to contact the previous owner with an open ended 'How did you find the car question?' and see what they say.
thats quite a lot of miles for only 4 months for an old lady?

hth

JohnO

[Pete Smith]

I'm certain the mileage is genuine. The car smells brand new, the front tyres are brand new, the rest of the car is completely spotless with no stone chips, marks etc. The engine bay looks brand new, I can just tell that the miles are genuine if you understand me.

Where would the the suspension blocks be? As I wouldn't say that it handled great - but my old car was a go kart Fiesta Zetec s, so thought it was just the trade off of having a bigger car.

Thanks for the help anyway! Much much much appreciated.

[duzza]

I'm certain the mileage is genuine. The car smells brand new, the front tyres are brand new, the rest of the car is completely spotless with no stone chips, marks etc. The engine bay looks brand new, I can just tell that the miles are genuine if you understand me.

Where would the the suspension blocks be? As I wouldn't say that it handled great - but my old car was a go kart Fiesta Zetec s, so thought it was just the trade off of having a bigger car.

Thanks for the help anyway! Much much much appreciated.

Youll see them quite clearly if you peer in to the wheel arches at the suspension.