Rapid Front L Tire Wear.. Yikes!! - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

zsmith29 · #16 09-10-2008, 08:39 AM

Ok that doesn't sound like it is going to be to hard of a job. At this rate I think the amount I would have to pay in a new tire every 6 months or so would be more than repairing the bushings and what not.

If anyone has done this job b/4 and could help me get started with it I would be very thankful for the help.

Thanks Guys.

zsmith29 · #17 09-10-2008, 08:42 AM

I was just checking out the Fastlane and here is what I found. Is this what you all are referring to?

L2040-16061

NH82W123 · #18 09-10-2008, 09:07 AM

My indy replaced the whole arm (L2000-16064), including the bushings. Looks like the arm and bushings are sold separately on Fastlane.

Charlie

zsmith29 · #19 09-10-2008, 09:09 AM

I think all I need is the kit. I will take a look at it and see specifically.

tangofox007 · #20 09-10-2008, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zsmith29

The tire seems to be definitely wearing on the outside of the tire. I cannot tell about the inside as much.

That's always where the wear occurs. Every time.

zsmith29 · #21 09-10-2008, 10:55 AM

Thanks for the help Tango

tangofox007 · #22 09-10-2008, 11:32 AM

Z, all humor aside, a good diagnosis of a problem requires a good description.

Sort of like when the doctor asks "Where does it hurt?" He doesnt want to hear, "Everywhere. At home, at work, on the bus."

toomany MBZ · #23 09-10-2008, 04:22 PM

Both of mine exhibit this, the UCA's look fine, I had an alignment done on the SD last year. I'm going to do that the CD, as I just replaced a ball joint, even though that should not effect it.

mobetta · #24 09-10-2008, 08:37 PM

I used a 6' ratchet strap (motorcycle tie down) to pull the UCA forward off the sway bar. I wrapped it around the bumper mount, and back to the UCA.

other than that, pretty easy. you will want a pickle fork or other means to separate the UCA from the spindle.

toomany MBZ · #25 09-11-2008, 06:17 AM

When I replaced the UCA, I also had a problem lining up the sway bar, but it wasn't too far off. I went to the hardware store and bought the longest bolt of the proper pitch etc, and used that to screw in and align everything. I backed it out, the UCA held it's position, so I could install the correct bolt and washers.

vstech · #26 09-11-2008, 12:19 PM

the UCA is a very simple repair and it makes a WORLD of difference if yours is worn badly. but usually it causes inner tire wear.
if you have a jack stand, a crecent wrench a prybar (a nice flat superbar worked great) and a hammer, you can change it in 30 minutes.

tangofox007 · #27 09-11-2008, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

the UCA is a very simple repair and it makes a WORLD of difference if yours is worn badly. but usually it causes inner tire wear.

Inner edge tire wear, due to the negative camber caused by stretched bushings.

vstech · #28 09-11-2008, 12:50 PM

yeah yeah, humor is great.
inner edge tire wear...
anyway, a more likely flaw causing inner edge tire wear is a poor alignment at a shop not equipped to service the 123. most shops will inspect for sloppy parts and fail to align if they exist, the fact that it was aligned, but poorly tends to point to either an idiot doing the alignment, or inadequate ability to do the 123.
it's possible that idiot's work where you went, so you may want to have someone turn the wheel back and forth while you watch every part that moves in the steering and see if anything rocks instead of turns. you want to have somebody turn the wheel very slowly while you watch starting at the ball joints, then follow slowly from one side looking at the tie rods, the idler joint, the steering box etc, check every part as the wheel is turned back and fourth.
good luck. I bet everything moves perfectly, just got aligned by a shop that can't do it up on a machine.
take it to a dealer or a MB familiar shop.
John

zsmith29 · #29 09-13-2008, 06:48 PM

Wow Guys,
I really don't know what to think.
VStech, I want to think that you might be right about it.

On the other hand, the UCA is not all that expensive and mine is worn pretty hard.

The reality of this situation is that I never had this tire issue until I changed out the steering box and a tie rod. Then the alignment was out of whack. Then I got the alignment and new treads all around.

Now I still see the tire wearing badly on the from L and maybe even on the front R.

I think by this train of progression that it has to be a poor alignment.

The fact that my tires wore fine before the front end repairs and then the alignment is pretty big.

I think I will call the alignment shop up again Monday and explain the situation again.