Still got tire vibes!

Hey everyone. I have a 190E, riding on Evo II 17x7.5 on 215/45/17 rubber. I have had CrossDrilled Rotors on the car for a while now.

A couple weeks ago, I posted a thread claiming that when braking from 80 to 20mph, the car shakes and so does the steering wheel, and on top of that, there are slight pulses that I could feel from the brake pedal. All of you told me that the rotors could be warped, that I need to balance my tires, check my tie rods and joints and on and on. Well, I've had all the suspension parts like tie rods and links and everything replaced and my tires have been balanced, and theres still vibrations and shaking! Whats going on here?!

My mechanic (who specialize in Benz since the 60's) tells me that the tires are too wide and big for the ABS system. He says that the ABS is tuned for the stock tire size, and since I have wider tires, the ABS can't recognize the newer tire size. So he says that I should just go back to stock tires. But I don't wanna!!! I love my EVOs!!!

Well fellas, I guess you can say I'm stuck in a corner. I've changed everything and on and on. So what can I do???
I've planned to add Eibach springs and swaybars to this 190 2.6. Would there be a possibility that these suspension upgrades would contribute to the vibe problem, or could it remedy it???

Any help would be appreciated. THANKS!

[benzfan]

Just a thought, but how is your wheel bearing adjustment? If they are not snug enough, you will get the exact effect you describe. I just readjusted my c280 and eliminated that problem. The lower ball joints on the 190e wear routinely as well, and with the rims you have, additional stresses are placed on them. Have a close look at those too.
Best of luck

[TommyMB]

If the shakes happen only during braking then it is the braking system. Did you replace your rotors and pads along with all the other stuffs?

The bigger tires do not affect the ABS system unless you have different diameters tires on your car. But if your rotors are warped your ABS will come on and off because it senses differentiation on the wheels rotational speed.

[J.HIDALGO]

My money is on warped rotors!!!!!

[JimF]

I've not had the problem but my son's Mustang does it consistently after 10K or so miles.

Problem is rotor's become warped and scored. So the wheel shakes, etc. when he stops.

Fix is new rotors and pads every 10k miles! But his car is a Ford! Never heard of that on any MB. But who knows?

[Tobias MB]

Come to mind as I read your shaking problem. In addition to what others have suggested there is a possibility that the brake pads were not bedded in properly or that there may be trash or a burr between the wheel hub and the rotor. Look at the pads to see if there are any hot spots or indications of abnormal wear. What brand of pads are they as you don't mention?

Also as you have the pads out, borrow a dial indicator and check the runout of the rotors. The possibility of a burr or trash between the hub and rotor will magnify out at the pad contact area to cause problems also. If there is runout, remove the rotor and check thoroughly. What brand of rotors/who drilled them etc?

Is the vibration from the ABS coming on or if you lightly apply pedal pressure any time?

Good luck,
Tobias MB
4 MBs