So this week i have been playing with the wheels. I have just won myself a set of minilites in satin black. When i went to take the old wheels off i noticed that the wear on the front tyres is massively uneven, as in bold one side and like new on the other. Could this be a symptom of a problem?

Also when i jacked the car up the suspension arm stayed down, as in after i had taken the wheel off. The arm then stayed too low to get the wheel back up, i had to physicaly jack the suspension arm up to get the wheel back on. Surely that cant be right? it would be impossible for me to change a tyre with one jack!

I am learning lots of new things though!  :D

Here's my list (based on past/bitter experience):

- little rubber rebound buffer under the top arm isn't there any more and this lets the arm drop further than it should be able to
- uneven wear can be caused by the tracking being way out but you'd probably see "feathering" of the tread where it's effectively been dragged across the road
- it can also be caused by dodgy wheel bearings. I'd think if it was that bad you'd most likely hear a deep low rumble (and possibly a grinding noise), particularly when cornering slowly
- uneven wear on the inside edge of the tyre can be caused by a previous owner putting on negative camber bottom arms - but the bottom of the wheel is out way too far (too much negative camber)

No doubt others will join in with suggestions?

swivel pins/joints might be worn - you can check by jacking up the car and seeing if the wheel wobbles by grabbing it at the top and bottom.
bent tie bar - the metal rod theat runs from the front wheel to the front of the car. they should be straight, its not uncommon to find tat they are slightly bent.
worn bottom arm bushes.
or it could just be the previous owner only put a new tyre on one side, and left the otherside.

I have had the same problem recently, Mine was caused by a bent tie rod and then further compounded by the fact that the new ones were differnt lengths which I didn't realise until I went into the garage aparently it was only a 2mm difference. In addition the tracking has now been done and the wheels rebalanced both were signficantly out. I have temporarily swapped the front and back wheels round to see if the problem is fixed.

Re the arm sticking usually a sign that your shocks may be on the way out I would check them too if you get a chance.

After having done some reading up on it and having a good look at the tyre wear i think it is a camber issue which is causing the tyre damage. Im still not really sure about whay the arm isnt coming up but all your suggestions have given me pletty of things to think about and check!

;D