Driver's side front inner tread is bald!!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DieselHead · #1 10-22-2002, 06:03 PM

Hello,
I went outside just now to install a pair of Kleen Wheels and I noticed that the inner tread of my driver's side front tire was completely bald! What gives? I had the tires rotated just 300 miles ago (so I guess that tire was in the rear not too long ago) and have driven it pretty hard since. I am bringing in my car later this week for misc. things like trans. fluid flush, belt replacement, etc. (I know I know, with this message board I should be able to do all that myself, I just don't have the time). I will ask for an alignment also, but what could be causing my uneven tire wear? Could they be worn suspension parts? The other front tire (which, again, was in the rear a few hundred miles ago) is also unevenly worn on the inner edge. Oh, and it is important to note that two rotations ago, these tires, which were in the front, were also wearing slightly unevenly on the inner tread. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Alex

mikemover · #2 10-22-2002, 07:38 PM

Sounds like bad alignment, or worn suspension components.

I have the same tire wear problem, on both sides...I need to rebuild the front end on my SD, because the ball joints, tie rods, etc. are worn out and it cannot be properly aligned.

Actually, even with the worn parts, the car still handles VERY well...I can't wait to see how much fun it is to drive with a properly set-up front suspension!

Mike

leathermang · #3 10-22-2002, 07:47 PM

The Normal wear pattern of our cars is a little different to what one would expect if their experience is only with other cars...There is a set of pictures in the Factory Shop Manual which points out what the tires should look like... and it was pretty surprising to me... so it might be good to check that out before the suspension work...not that yours does not need it... I don't know.. just saying these cars are a little different than usual for wear pattern....

#4 10-23-2002, 07:34 AM

Sounds like you may have a ball joint problem. I recently experienced the same excessive wear on the inside of one of my front tires. Diagnosis - bad lower ball joint. Jack the car up under the lower control arm at the tire(s) in question and check for excessive play in the tire (grab the tire and try to move it side-to-side and up and down). It shouldn't move much at all. I agree that MB's wear tires differently, but it sounds like you've got some excessively warn parts. Since my ball joint replacement, new tie rods, and new tires, everything is wearing and driving normally.

DieselHead · #5 10-23-2002, 08:48 AM

How much are tie rods and ball joints to repair? I just want to know what I'm in for when I take the car in on friday. You're probably right, I have this really odd loose "rattling" sound coming from that wheel going over the rough roads of New York City. Thanks.

Alex

#6 10-23-2002, 10:11 AM

I'm a minimal DIY'er, but I'm getting better! I had one of the front lower ball joints, one tie rod, and an alignment done at a local import repair shop. As I recall, the bill was somewhere around $500. The parts aren't that much, but the labor kills you - pressing-in the ball joint, spring compression, etc. But, those are things I don't have the tools or skills to do. Thus, you grin and bear it!

#7 10-23-2002, 01:17 PM

Alex,

I believe misaligned "toe" can cause inner tire wear. Toe adjustment is specific to each tire so one could be right and the other off. Ask the front end guy about that. Also, my car was "rattling" over bumps and it was just a loose bolt on the tie rod where the two parts of the tie rod join....easy fix.

Nic
'85 300CD

DieselHead · #8 10-23-2002, 02:34 PM

D,
Thanks for the heads up. Hopefully my bill won't exceed that by too much.

Nic,
The rattling, or looseness, is kind of transmitted through the chassis, that is, I can sort of feel it, not just hear it. I'm pretty sure that it's coming from the driver's front so I will ask my mechanic about the toe adjustment and tie rod.

Thanks

Alex

#9 10-24-2002, 08:31 AM

Alex,

Just a few more things to think about, since your symptoms are nearly identical to what I experienced this summer. I also, in addition to my ball joint/tie rod problems, had a "rattling" or "thumping" noise in my front passenger suspension area. I could feel the "thump" or "pop" in the floor board under my feet on occassion when I heard the noises. The eventual diagnosis was a bad guide rod mount at the fire wall, as well as a bad bushing at the control arm end of the guide rod. The theory was my front end was way out of alignment as a result of these bushings going bad. Once the alignment was done, the bushings were basically useless (worn flat, torn, etc.) and the guide rod was "rattling" or "thumping".

Hopefully all you need is a good alignment (makes a world of difference!) but the rattling noise sounds oddly familiar.....

DieselHead · #10 10-24-2002, 09:27 AM

D,
So you also replaced the guide rod mounts and assorted bushings? I supposedly had those replaced about 2 years ago. I will be very upset if it turns out that my mechanic (a different one who I also trust....ed) did not do them and charged me anyway.

Alex