I changed the back brakes (pads + rotors) on my wife's Mazda 3 about 2 months ago and noticed that the rear tires were worn on the inside edges, but the outsides 3/4 of the tires are absolutely perfect. The tires were rotated back there from the front when we bought 2 new tires. I inquired at the dealership where I go for our warranty service intervals and they said it was because I wasn't rotated the tires frequently enough and that there was no way to adjust the camber in the back.

I have read around on the forums here and came to the conclusion that the stock suspension does not have any way to adjust the camber (other than any change that may be made while adjusting toe). Is it normal to get this much wear on the back tires? I don't really believe the dealership because the particular service rep who told me this is also giving me the run-around on some shaved rotors that they did for me. I have some "residue" on them that is actually an indentation and it makes a noise when braking, but I've taken the car in for service 3 times and they "don't hear it". I'm just going to change the front rotors and pads as well. Sorry for that aside, but that guy really frustrates me.

So back to my rear tire wear... I also have some road noise that is really bad in 2 situations: 1) coasting to a stop (and even a little braking) the noise gets quite loud and 2) when cruising between 50-60mph. The noise is definitely coming from the back, although there is some slight noise from the front because of the rotor. I don't get a lot of vibration, although there was some slight vibration when those tires were on the front (although this was also prior to the brake fiasco, and the rotors were warped--although they aren't much better now). Mr. Tire (a tire shop around here) told me the tire was cupped, but that it was not a safety hazard and only annoying because of the noise. However, when I have the tire off I don't see any cupping... just the odd wear on one side. So my question is... anyone else notice odd wear on the rear tires, or is it truly just "cupped" (both of them)? I tend to trust the tire store, as it is usually in their best interest to make happy customers and also sell tires... and if they're telling me I don't need to replace the tires, then they must be fine.

Thanks, and sorry if this is confusing. I know I interspersed my rant about the ridiculous front rotor problem I am dealing with but I thought it could be important to some of the road noise. I drive an A4, and when I get in the Mazda3 I just am overwhelmed by the road noise.. I am not sure because it's a different car or different tires (the 2 rears are the same tires I Have on my car, but the fronts are not) or if there is really a problem/annoying noise.

 

i too have my tire wear out in 9000 miles in the back. i rotate them every 3k. they seem to wear out on the inside very quick. ive had it alined every 6 months. its not the toe, its the camber. i have a 04 mazda 3 5d. i found some camber kits on ebay for 180. anywhere i can find them cheeper?

 

Well i bought the camber kit and it works great. very hard to install, but its worth it.

 

I also have seen the inside of the tires were very quickly on the rears so you are not the only one. I guess i will just have to rotate more frequenly