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View Full Version : Alignment problem - feathering (REAR)


gta_driver
06-02-2010, 06:02 PM
I have a problem with my tires with feathering. I had alignment done by the dealer, but I'm not so confident that it will fix the problem. So far, I haven't seen improvements.

The feathering occurs in the rear. Is this caused by camber or by toe-in? Camber is not adjustable in the rear, and I noticed that according to the print-out from the dealer, I'm just outside of the permissible zone. He did fix the toe-in, though.

Is this common in our Mazda3? And why is my camber outside the permissible range if it's not adjustable?

Is the problem with tires? (They are a cheap tire from Taiwan, called Federal Tire).
Fuman
06-02-2010, 06:07 PM
http://www.procarcare.com/includes/content/resourcecenter/encyclopedia/ch25/25readtirewear.html

if your car is not lowered, call Mazda Canada? seems like a defect if your stock camber is over -2.0
gta_driver
06-03-2010, 10:46 AM
Actually, it's not really feathering. The problem is described and illustrated well here: http://www.lasercannon.com/Newz/feathering.htm

I have exactly the same wear on the inner tread. Should check the alignment sheet to see if caster is adjustable in the rear, and what it's adjusted to.
gta_driver
06-03-2010, 12:09 PM
One more thing, since my car is out of warranty, Mazda Canada probably will not do anything about it. It's a 2005 model year with 82K kms.
newmazda
06-23-2010, 11:11 PM
I have the same issue on my 2009 and brought it back to the dealer the said they fixed the alignment yet the tire with the worst wear was within spec.

If you look at the back of some Mazda 3's you can see that the rear wheels are tilted inward(negative Camber) and as you mentioned it is non adjustable.

It is a problem we just have to live with. Pretty crappy considering I have never owned a vehicle with alignment issues and now my brand new Mazda comes from the factory with it.
inbini
06-23-2010, 11:17 PM
Same thing happened to me.. 2006 MZ3 Sport GT. I went for an oil change and the shop found my rear tires worn out in an angle. The inner part was so worn out that I didn't think twice of changing tires.. I took it in for an alignment and the alignment was just fine. I have a 2010 now.. I hope this problem is gone.