Wheel Alignment; Wheel Run-Out And Ovality; Tyre Wear - Triumph Spitfire MK3 Handbook

WHEELS AND TYRES

Wheel Alignment

The correct front wheel alignment is 1/16" (1.6 mm.) to 1/8"
(3.2 mm.) toe-in (kerb condition). Excessive misalignment caused
by kerb impact or other accidental damage will result in severe tyre
wear and faulty steering.

Wheel Run-out and Ovality

The maximum tolerances for both run-out and ovality are as
follows:
Press steel wheels
Wire spoke wheels
24
.. .. .. 0.070" (0.l8mm.)
.. .. .. 0.060" (0.l5 mm.)
Excessive run-out and ovality will result in severe tyre wear and
faulty steering.

Tyre Wear

When new tyres are required it is essential to fit those of the
same type. The characteristics of tyres vary considerably and,
therefore, all four tyres must be of the same type.
Occasionally remove flints and other road matter from the treads
and examine the tyres for sharp fins, flats and other irregularities.
An upstanding sharp fin on the edge of each pattern rib is a sure sign
of road wheel misalignment (Fig. 39).
Fins on the inside of the pattern ribs indicate toe-in. Fins on the
outside edges indicate toe-out. Sharp pattern edges may also be
caused by road camber, even when road alignment is correct. In
such cases, it is better to make sure by having the track checked with
an alignment gauge.
"Spotty" tread wear or flats, can result from grabbing brakes or
unbalanced wheel assemblies. Your Standard-Triumph Dealer will
check the action of the brakes and re-balance the tyres if required.
The original degree of balance is not necessarily maintained, and it
may be affected by uneven tread wear, by repairs, by tyre removal
and refitting, or by wheel damage and eccentricities. The vehicle
may also become more sensitive to unbalance due to normal wear of
moving parts.