OMG! my new front tires are shot. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mike-In-Sky · #1 12-03-2010, 11:08 AM

Long story. I will try and make it short. Back in the spring I bought 4 new tires for my 99 E300 diesel. Also had both of the outer tie rod ends replaced and had a four wheel alignment done. So far, so good. Last week I decided to check the air pressures. When i did, I was shocked to find that both of my front tires were worn down to the steel belts on the insides. Back to the shop. Mechanic discovers that my inner tie rod ends are bad. He replaces them and takes the car to a different alighnment shop, (not trusting the previous alighnment shop who didn't notice the inner rod ends being bad). I just got a call from the mechanic, (who is also a very trusted friend), he said the car is done, however, the alignment shop said to have the cast & camber checked by a Mercedes shop immediatly because he believes the problem is not resolved. He thinks the first alignment shop somehow messed up the cast & camber and he doesn't have the knowledge or special tools required to do the adjustments. Is this true? Or should I try yet another alignment shop?

Fulcrum525 · #2 12-03-2010, 11:21 AM

I remember that thread. Which model of tire did you end up getting?

Mike-In-Sky · #3 12-03-2010, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

I remember that thread. Which model of tire did you end up getting?

Continental Extreme contact DW

jcyuhn · #4 12-03-2010, 01:25 PM

Did the shop give you the final camber figures? If so, please post them up.

Sounds like the alignment shop and mechanic are not that familiar with the car. The 210 chassis has a set of adjustable camber bolts that can be installed in the front suspension. The adjustable bolts permit the front suspension to be set exactly to factory specification as the front suspension components age and wear. It sounds like your car needs this installed on one, or both, sides. It also sounds as if your mechanic, and his alignment shop, are not aware of this.

It's been a while, but from my hazy memory the kit+installation is about $100/side. Could be a bit more now. You need an alignment after installing the adjustable camber bolts. It's a bit of money, but you only pay for it once; after that the front end gets set exactly every time it is aligned. And it's sure cheaper (and safer) than wearing out tires every couple of months.

pawoSD · #5 12-03-2010, 01:37 PM

I'd have taken it to the dealer for that type of work in the first place. I've had many alignments done at my dealer, around $140-160....and they've never messed it up.

#6 12-03-2010, 03:27 PM

It is very sad, but many alignment shops set toe "within spec." The problem is that some of the specs allow for a wide range. Set the toe on ZERO! Even if you have to do it yourself.

The problem is that it is toed out. Set it on zero and your tires will last as they should.

I ran into this on my wife's Mini Cooper after it was almost totaled. The shop insisted that it was set within spec. I was shocked when they showed me the spec that allowed for a really wide range. I was so flabbergasted that I didn't even think to tell them to set it on zero.

I took it home and set it on zero myself and all tire wear issues are history.

Hope this helps.

speednjay · #7 12-03-2010, 07:50 PM

the dealer i took mine to did a crap job. basically i had some bushing that were bad and they did the alignment anyway... and said your lower control arm bushing (rear subframe bushings also) are bad..and heres your 200 dollar bill. i'd just spend the extra for a kmac bushing set and get the adjustable rear camber arms so a normal shop can do the alignment without the dealership drama and expense. ..but ya im burning through tires every 10k miles too just idiling around like grandma. anyone wanna buy a e300td?

69shovlhed · #8 12-03-2010, 09:21 PM

any shop that isn't run by a scumbag, dealer or otherwise will check the front end out before doing the alignment. if it needs parts, they won't do the alignment until the parts are replaced unless you tell them to do it anyway. and they will give you a print out showing it was set to the middle of the range. if they don't do it this way, first insist they do it this way. second, if they refuse to do it this way then promise never to return and to tell everyone they are thieves, because they are thieves.

babymog · #9 12-03-2010, 09:52 PM

That shop should never touch another car.

First you set caster and camber to spec., last setting is toe. If the first two weren't in spec then they should never have proceeded.

Any alignment shop that is any good at all will look for worn or damaged components before aligning your car. It is part of a proper alignment, part of their liability in doing your alignment, and an excellent opportunity to up-sell you with the other parts that your car needs.

Bad shop, your mechanic should share in the guilt for recommending them.