Lomax 223 rear wheel not central

[tony-morony]

Time to replace the perished rear tyre on my Lomax 223. I noticed that the old tyre, (125 R 15) is rubbing slightly on the rear mudwing. Upon closer inspection, the rear arm is out of true by about 30mm. What would be my options here? Would the best bet be to just move the mudwing over by about 15mm or would a wheel spacer be a better idea?
Any suggestions and advice would be most welcome.
Regards
Tony

[billdavies]

Tony,
Before moving anything check what is out of line first. Draw with chalk on the road the front axle line and the true line along the car and determine what is offset. Then you can then create a plan to rectify the problem.
If the line of the car is true then move the mudguard if the axle is out of line then there may be other works required. Has the chassis been damaged?
Bill

[notsmartcar]

Do you mean the wheel is 30mm out of vertical at the top because the axle is twisting

[hutchii]

Hi.
I think it's unlikely that it's been rubbing since the car was built. Maybe the swinging arm extension is on the move! Many owners have reinforced them to cope with the load on the one wheel.
If you do resort to a spacer, don't go as far as 15mm as this will (in my opinion) reduce the wheel nut thread engagement to a risky level.

[billdavies]

Tony ,
Another thought, are the axle bearings tight, has the ring nut come loose allowing the wheel to twist relative to the axle.
To access the ring nut remove the plastic cover and check tightness, there should be a split pin to prevent unwinding but that may not be there!!! Once secured refit split pin(new) and replace cover.
B

[tony-morony]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I'll get the car out of the garage in the next couple of days and have a good inspection.
Will keep you posted.
Tony

[tony-morony]

Identified the problem.
Had the car out and measured with string lines, straight edges and a tape measure. The arm, wheel and tire all run true to the chassis but the body doesn't. Its out by about 30mm. The tire only rubs slightly when the suspension nearly bottoms out, (just enough to polish the letering), but this will be worse with the new wider tire. Just moving the mudwing means that there won't be anything to fix it to on one side so I think I will have to split it and widen it before refitting. Unless of course anyone has a better idea!
Tony

[tony-morony]

Actually, the body is only out by 15mm. There is a difference of 30mm when measuring from one side to the other.
Tony

[hutchii]

Hi Tony.
If it's wide enough for the wider tyre, I think it would be easier to widen the flange that attaches the guard to the floor rather than split it.

[Boggy]

Maybe silly reply but have you thought of loosening the body mounting bolts and centering the body tub, may not be noticeable on shut lines?
Boggy