Freelander 2 (LR2) Uneven rear tyre wear.

Looks like I have a suspension problem.
The outside edge of the left rear tyre is wearing away at an alarming rate. The right rear is showing signs of uneven wear as well, but not as bad.
Tyre pressures are checked fairly regularly and both tyres maintain pressure (no slow punctures). Front tyres are fine; the wear is even there. The car does not pull to one side and none of the bearings are running hot or grumbling.
All the tyres are the same type/make/batch and were replaced at the same time.
I'd like to rectify the problem before I change the tyres, but where to begin? What do I check, and will I need special tools or alignment gear?

LH Rear


RH Rear


PS. And I've just noticed in the pics some worrying cracks in the lands between the treads.

You need to check all the bushes for deterioration, and the shocks too.
Those sorts of tyres don't grip well in my experience, which although you may not feel like it, slip and scrub when cornering, which will be wearing them out faster than if a more grippy tyre was fitted.

Thanks @Nodge68, but what I really need to know, is this a DIY job or do I need a pro with 4WD alignment kit?
Agree with you re. the tyres. Great on soft ground, shit on tarmac.

Rank Amatuer said:

Thanks @Nodge68, but what I really need to know, is this a DIY job or do I need a pro with 4WD alignment kit?

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All the parts are a reasonably easy DIY fit, as you simply replace the whole links with new, just do them in pairs, to maintain balance between sides.

The suspension will need setting up with a Hunter 4 wheel alignment machine, by a trained alignment technician.

Nodge68 said:

All the parts are a reasonably easy DIY fit, as you simply replace the whole links with new, just do them in pairs, to maintain balance between sides.

The suspension will need setting up with a Hunter 4 wheel alignment machine, by a trained alignment technician.

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Rules out Quik-Fit then

Rank Amatuer said:

Rules out Quik-Fit then

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Indeed. I wouldn't even get tyres fitted there if it could be avoided, after a one of there staff put a tyre on our lease car backwards.

That's why it's called kwik fit and not "Competent Fit'!

Found a place in Glasgow, M B Jarvie, that can do a Hunter Elite TD 4WD Alignment. Cost "Varies".
Needs done though.

Rank Amatuer said:

Found a place in Glasgow, M B Jarvie, that can do a Hunter Elite TD 4WD Alignment. Cost "Varies".
Needs done though.

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You'll be looking at about £100 for alignment, but you'll need to replace the worn bushes first, or the alignment won't work.

Drop links and bushes were replaced 2019, and that's not so many miles ago thanks to Covid and working from home. Rear shocks have been replaced once donkeys years ago. Front ones never to my knowledge. Do coil springs weaken over time and mileage? One of the annoying things with a gradual deterioration in handling is you unconsciously compensate. And then when you get it fixed it's like driving a different car.

Rank Amatuer said:

Drop links and bushes were replaced 2019

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Drop links would have minimal effect on tyre wear.
The lower control arm bushes are what keeps the wheels in the correct location when cornering, the drag links control wheel toe when braking.
Any of those bushes could be worn, giving excess tyre were.
My FL2 wears all the tyres pretty evenly, the fronts roll off at the edges, which is to be expected, but the rears wear perfectly flat.

Rank Amatuer said:

Do coil springs weaken over time and mileage?

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Yes, springs loose some of there ability to hold up the vehicle over time.
However it's easy to tell a soft spring, as you simply measure the arch height at all corners, and see if there a large discrepancies in height.

Took the car to M B Jarvie this morning for its Hunter 4WD allignment.. Felt like the poor relation with all the Bentleys, Mercs, Porches, and the like parked outside.
Picked the car up a few hours and 137 quid later; all well and good. According to the chap there, everything was able to be adjusted withing tolerances without too much difficulty. No extra work required. Receipt and report in my email by the time I got home.
BEFORE


AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

I just need to keep an aye on my tyres for the next few hundred miles