What is the proper way to adjust for rims being too large? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Luke@tirerack · #16 03-06-2003, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by need2speed
Luke is being pretty optimistic...your offset is way off stock specs but the ET34 rims would be right on.

You have very little tolerance on the front of the R129 to vary from stock offset...perhaps by up to 5mm but certainly not by 19mm! I've only seen fitmets as low as ET30 recommended for an 8.5 rim width.

I think Luke's option #1 might be your eventual solution.

You can replace just the front rims if you're having no problems at the back. But ET15 is even extreme for rear rims on the R129....don't even consider lowering springs!

I'm an optimistic kinda guy .....

spinedoc · #17 03-06-2003, 05:56 PM

Luke, I would have no prob ordering tires from you, but I would like you to be sure they wont rub. I get the feeling it will still be hit or miss, and dont want to be stuck with another set of rubbing tires.

I have a patient who's cousin has an autobody, I will ask him tommorrow about the fender rolling. Maybe with the fender rolling and a more narrow tire I can get away with it.

Luke I know you cant guarantee that they wont rub, but what would you suggest in tire size? The ride is very very stiff as it is so I think stiffer shocks might just make it much worse.

Worst case scenario, is anyone looking to purchase these rims? I'm sure I can find them on the internet in 17", that's how much I like the style.

If anyone is real interested here are pics of them on my 500.

spinedoc · #18 03-08-2003, 12:42 PM

Spent some time doing my own fender rolling on the left fender, now I get just a tiny rub on huge potholes only, or if I 100% turn the wheel and reverse. Still kind of odd that it was only the left side, but Im going to have my suspension checked next week, still getting lots of vibration on the highway as well.

Now I am looking for tires to replace the ones I have. I currently have Kumho Escta 245/40 18 and would like something a bit narrower to possibly get rid of the u turn rubbing. I would like something all season, BUT as close to the look and design of the Kumho I have on there, I really dig that look.

I would also like whatever will provide me the quietest handling. I know I wont get very quiet with the 18's, but whatever little help I can get will be better than nothing.

Any suggestions?

suginami · #19 03-08-2003, 12:57 PM

Your vibration at highway speeds is surely a tire balance problem.

The dealers use Hunter GSP 9700 balance machines, and they can take care of the problem, unless that is, your tires have too much wheel force variation.

Check out their website for a good description of what that means and how that machine can balance tires that no other machine can handle:

www.gsp9700.com

One thing to always remember is that you have chrome wheels. With chrome wheels, you can only use the stick-on weights on the underside of the wheels. You cannot achieve a perfect balance using these weights because you are only applying weights to one plane. At freeway speeds above 65 mph, you may get a slight tire vibration.

With other wheel types, you can use the clamp-on weights. This way, you attach the weights to the outside and inside lip of the wheels. You are applying weights on two planes, and thus achieving a dynamic balance. BTW, the clamp-on weights that Mercedes uses are unique to Mercedes wheels and will not put a scratch on Mercedes wheels.

I have traveled overseas quite a bit on my job, and have noticed that chrome wheels are a uniquely American thing. You will not find chrome wheels in any other country.

Just my $.02 cents (and with another $0.99 you can buy a cup of coffee).

spinedoc · #20 03-09-2003, 10:32 AM

Thanx much. The dealer did balance all the wheels with the 120k service last week so I think it might be a bearing on the left. It has a whir sound that increases with speed.

Once the rubbing was fixed I am getting used to the 18 inch ride very fast. I am enjoying it quite a bit.

Luke@tirerack · #21 03-10-2003, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by suginami
Your vibration at highway speeds is surely a tire balance problem.

The dealers use Hunter GSP 9700 balance machines, and they can take care of the problem, unless that is, your tires have too much wheel force variation.

One thing to always remember is that you have chrome wheels. With chrome wheels, you can only use the stick-on weights on the underside of the wheels. You cannot achieve a perfect balance using these weights because you are only applying weights to one plane. At freeway speeds above 65 mph, you may get a slight tire vibration.

could be a balance problem .... an out of round tire ... or even the lack of the wheel being hub-centric ... or 1 of many other things like the bearing issue mentioned

we use the GSP 9700 excusively for all of our mounting and balancing utilizing tape weights and you can stll achieve a dual plane dynamic balance with this method .... 1 weight on the inside edge of the wheel and 1 weight directly behind the spokes of the wheel

suginami · #22 03-10-2003, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Luke@tirerack
we use the GSP 9700 excusively for all of our mounting and balancing utilizing tape weights and you can stll achieve a dual plane dynamic balance with this method .... 1 weight on the inside edge of the wheel and 1 weight directly behind the spokes of the wheel

This is good information. I never thought of taping the weights to the inside of one of the spokes. This definitely would give a dynamic balance on two planes.

The shop(s) that balanced my wheels with stick-on weights never taped the weight to the inside of the spokes.

Do other shops in your opinion tape the weights like you do at Tire Rack?

spinedoc · #23 03-10-2003, 01:05 PM

I looked at the inside of the wheels and the dealer taped the weights just like Luke said, even though they were aftermarket. If it is out of balance then the dealer better refund me some money!!

suginami · #24 03-10-2003, 01:13 PM

Well, if the dealer didn't screw up the balance, then there are a number of other things that can cause a wobble problem: Worn out suspension components, like bad tie rod bushings; warped brake rotors, etc.

spinedoc · #25 03-17-2003, 08:52 PM

It's at the independent shop right now, the vibration was a combination of a loose steering box, bad motor mounts and the tires being worn wrong.

On another note, I am still looking for tires. I did ask for a thinner tire recommendations. I'm still looking if you want to make that sale....

Tobias MB · #26 03-20-2003, 02:28 AM

Luke,
Doesn't the Rack have a fender rolling tool available for customers to roll their own fenders? And wasn't this available at no charge except for a deposit and the freight charges incurred? Not sure but read this a while back. The tool is made in Germany, is expensive and the distributor is in Cornelius, NC.
Maybe if this is true then this would also help out spinedoc.

Tobias MB
4 MBs

PS. Machine is made by Horst Warkotsch GmbH and the Rack ordered 40 units!

Luke@tirerack · #27 03-20-2003, 08:40 AM

yes you are correct about the fender rolling machine .... but, it's already reserved for the next 2.5 - 3 months