Dustbucket wrote:
> The front tires on my 1994 Civic EX coupe are wearing unevenly. The
> inside edge (2-3") of both tires has worn down almost to the belt.
> I'll be getting new tires and a 4-wheel alignment in a couple of days.
> However, I'd like to be a bit more informed about what might be causing
> the problem, and be prepared if the alignment guy says I need major
> suspension work.
>
> So, any ideas what might be causing the problem? And, if I can't get
> the alignment done at the place I buy the tires, should i get the
> alignment or the new tires first?
>
> details: tires have been properly inflated for the most part, no work
> done to the front end recently (save for new front brakes), no hitting
> of curbs or major potholes recently, first time this car is having an
> alignment done.
>
from what i've seen, your generation of civic doesn't have a higher
frequency of busting out the lower wishbone bushings. if that's
happened, your toe will be off, hence your tire wear. get under the car
and check the bushings where the wishbone attatches to the body. it's
pointless replacing tires & adjusting alignment if the bushings are gone.

bushing replacement is usually done by replacing the whole suspension
arm, but if you google this group, you should find the bushing part
numbers if you have access to the right tools and the desire to save a
few bucks.

if the bushings are ok, just replace the tires & have an alignment done.
you should be fine. beware, most shops i've been to are not very good
at getting it right first time on hondas - the rear always seems to
confuse them, [and on a honda, the rear is critical]. make sure you get
a warranty on the alignment work and keep taking it back if the tires
show /any/ signs of uneven wear. you can tell by looking at the run
line on the tread at the shoulder. it should be in the same place
relative to the same tread features on both sides of the tire.