So I just had my tires rotated after 7000 miles (2008 Mazda 3 S hatch), and the inside of the rear tires is completely worn. I don't mean its a bit uneven, I mean its downright bald. It's smoother than glass. Molasses wouldn't stick to it. It has all the grip of a poor man on Kim Kardashian.

Reading here, it looks like its due to the excessive camber, and looking at the tires I can see the top of the tires leaning in in the back. The front tires (or, the tires that were on the front) are fine, absolutely no problems there.

Question: on the 08 (or 08.5, I believe this is) can the rear camber be adjusted without the use of aftermarket plates? If so, would a standard alignment shop be able to do it?

 

sorry, non adjustable. have to get aftermarket camber links.

 

you can try here, it says they're for the ford focus, but they will fit. scroll down to about the middle of the page.

Camber Kits for Ford Focus

 

John is correct on both counts. The SPC's are what I have in my 3 series car and I love 'em.
I was wearing tires before, then I dropped the car 1.25" and if I hadn't done these I'm sure I would be going through tires even faster than before (<20k miles/set. Rotations +/-5k miles.) My rear camber is now dialed in @ +/-1*... 0.9* and 1.1* to be exact, and I have had no problems either in handling or in tire wear. Definitely worth the initial expense.

You might also check eBay Motors, Marcus. You can often find these but at a reduced cost. About $40 saved.

 

I've got an 08 and I don't have wear that bad.
Why can't you crank the eccentric to adjust?

 

As I found out about 6 yrs ago the eccentric in the lower control arm adjusts toe, not camber. Toe should be set @ zero.

 

Hello everyone I am a brand new 2010 Mazda 3 4 door hatchback owner and I just signed up. I have major exces "right rear" tire wear and wondering if someone can fill me in with a possible fix

 

The camber links, though the inner bolt on that is a PITA to get to. I'm partway through a mod to move the mounting hole a bit to compensate. Need to grind off the welds on the upper outer pivot point just above the brakes, and make the hole into a slot. Then re-align with the proper camber. I'm waiting for more warm weather and motivation to finish mine.

 

I just bought aftermarket camber arms for my 3. I was thinking about where to set rear camber. Haven't installed them yet. Is there some reason not to set rear camber at 0?

 

Simply put, the car won't be as stable or handle as well when set to 0* camber.