Bad rear axle shocks very common?

[DaveC426913]

Some point a while ago while driving I noticed a car whose rear wheels were noticeably bowed outward, thus:

Now, wherever I go I notice cars like this. Always the rear wheels, never the front. It seems to be very common.

Is this due to bad shocks? Is there an epidemic?

 

[Crazy Tosser]

I never noticed that. Could it be because the car's rear is overloaded?
P.S. I am a total car noob

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Four Wheel Alignment is necessary on today's design vehicles, yet it remains a mystery to most people. Correct Alignment and a properly operating suspension are vital to vehicle control, not only for safety but also for comfort when driving a vehicle. There is a possibility of incorrect rear wheel thrust line, which can cause the vehicle to pull or push in the opposite direction the wheels are pointing...

http://peugeot.mainspot.net/tips/four_wheel.shtml

In its most basic form, a wheel alignment consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. The purpose of these adjustments is maximum tire life and a vehicle that tracks straight and true when driving along a straight and level road...

http://www.familycar.com/alignment.htm

 

[Phrak]

Some point a while ago while driving I noticed a car whose rear wheels were noticeably bowed outward, thus:

Now, wherever I go I notice cars like this. Always the rear wheels, never the front. It seems to be very common.

Is this due to bad shocks? Is there an epidemic?

Have you had a rapid influx of out of state residence; or a VW beetle invasion? But the first would be bad shocks not springs...

 

[Pythagorean]

the particular angle you're talking about is camber, particularly negative camber. Negative camber improves friction bonds on turns, but most standard automobile tires are designed so that they'll wear evenly with 0 camber.

Most people never get their vehicles aligned though so it wouldn't be surprising to see it a lot on older vehicles. Do you think most of the examples you saw were older?

 

[Phrak]

I'll have to check out rear end axles. Worn springs will decrease in length. With a solid rear axle the wheels will stay parallel--which is what I have. But without two universal joints on each side, worn springs should allow sagging. But I'm talking about rear wheel drive. Guess I'll have to look at independent suspension too.

 

[DaveC426913]

Whatever hypothesis is put forth will have to agree with the fact that:
- it is always the rear wheels, I've never seen front wheels do this
- it happens across many cars, not rarely (so overloading is unlikely)
- it does seem to occur on newer cars as much as older cars

 

[edward]

I think you are probably noticing it on vehicles with independent rear suspension (swing axles). It can be cause by overloading, weak springs, or worn trailing arm bushings.

Then again some performace cars come that way from the factory.

http://www.drivearabia.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/2008-mercedes-benz-c63-amg-3.jpg