I noticed when I was washing my '97 850 today that the passenger side front tire is wearing badly on the sides. The driver's side tire isn't like this and still looks new (probably 10 K miles on this set of tires). Recently I replaced the CV boots and hub bearings and have been getting a loud click upon acceleration or braking from the passenger side. The noise didn't start until after I replaced the boots. I think the ball joint is fine, so what could cause the tire to wear out this quickly?

Thanks in advance!
Dave

Hi, if you are from the UK then most of it is probably from going around islands, Mine wears exactly the same, the front end is very heavy. Failing that your tracking may be slightly out. Even if the CV joint is worn it shouldnt effect tyre wear.

Also check tierod ends.

Would they give noticeable play when pulling on the wheel with the car off of the ground?

That's the only way to check. Wriggling the wheel. It could also be the ball joint which has a tendancy to wear.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)

I noticed yesterday that the loud pop presents itself under hard acceleration. I pulled out from a stop into traffic and needed to accelerate quickly. When the car got around 4 K rpm and shifted gears it made the sound in the front end. It just seems like it would have to be an axle, but I'm still going to check the tie rods. The ball joints are fairly new (last 30 K miles or so).

Thanks,
Dave

In my experience, yes. It's best if you can put a wood support or jack stand, etc., under the control arm so that the wheel is near its riding height with respect to the car body. That will minimize the load on the tierods to give you the clearest test.

Did you just replace the boot or the whole axle? Replacing the boot would have left dirt in the CV and it is worn out.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)

I would agree except the only side that had the torn boot was the driver's side and it doesn't seem to be making noise. The passenger side boots were still intact, but looked old and cracked, so I did them at the same time.

Thanks,
Dave