81' 300SD Tire wear left rear only - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Elliott Fager · #1 07-14-2003, 11:16 AM

Greetings,

I am getting some abnormal tire wear on the inside left rear tire. All other tires seem to be wearing normally. Any thoughts out there?

Wasuchi · #2 07-14-2003, 12:32 PM

First thing I would check is air pressure. I know that if I don't run the rear tires at 34 or 35 psi on my 300D they wear on the inside, especially the left rear.

Elliott Fager · #3 07-14-2003, 01:32 PM

I wish that were the case---tire pressure was between 34-35 lbs for all 4 tires. I was told it could be an alignment problem but the remaining 3 tires are fine which seems strange. Wouldn't there be a problem with at least 2 tires if there were an alignment problem? I dunno

Hilfe!

psfred · #4 07-14-2003, 07:46 PM

Not necessarily. The rear wheel can get out of alignment by either a collapsing rear control arm or a worn-out control arm bushing. This will allow the control arm to twist, causing the excessive wear.

So will a sagging spring -- the camber changes with tire rise, and if the rear is sitting low on that side, the tire will have excess camber, wearing on the inside. This is why the left rear wears more than the right unless you always have two people of equal weigh in the front seats every time you drive.

Peter

P.E.Haiges · #5 07-15-2003, 10:07 AM

Elliot,

I had the same problem so I took my '80 300SD to a recommended independent alignment shop because they were about 1/2 the cost at MB dealer.

I told them to align rear wheels also because that was where the problem was. I was informed that there were no adjustments on the rear.

They aligned the front wheels and the rear tire wear problem was cured.

P E H

Wasuchi · #6 07-15-2003, 12:09 PM

PEH,

I did the exact same thing on my 300D, took it to an alignment shop, they aligned the front and said there was nothing to do for the rear. The alignment guy said the rear tire wear was from underinflation (I think I was running around 32psi) so he aired them up to 35. I haven't had problems since then. I always assumed that it was underinflation but the alignment couldn't have hurt.

Elliott Fager · #7 07-15-2003, 03:41 PM

Thanks for the info.....I am hoping it is not the swing arm bushings and all will be fine after the alignment----thanks again for your great suggestions

turbodiesel · #8 07-15-2003, 04:40 PM

Was the car ever in an accident?

Elliott Fager · #9 07-15-2003, 05:17 PM

The car was never in an accident---drives straight and true