Alignment questions
10-12-2016, 07:24 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Alignment questions
Sorry if this has been covered before, my search had no results.
So we've had our 2010 GL550 for quite sometime now and still really like it. My question is about the wheel alignment specs. We go though tires very quickly, especially the rear ones. I've used two different alignment shops and most recently NTB. everything is within spec. Our new set of 21" Conti DWS are great...except the tires are more than halfway worn (on the rear) in 6,000 miles.
what gives? can I have the alignment done in a way that wont' wear the tires so quickly?
So we've had our 2010 GL550 for quite sometime now and still really like it. My question is about the wheel alignment specs. We go though tires very quickly, especially the rear ones. I've used two different alignment shops and most recently NTB. everything is within spec. Our new set of 21" Conti DWS are great...except the tires are more than halfway worn (on the rear) in 6,000 miles.
what gives? can I have the alignment done in a way that wont' wear the tires so quickly?
10-13-2016, 09:15 PM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
4JGBF8GE5AA562412 is the VIN.
I used several sets of Continental tires. Normally it has been the Crosscontact UHP (296/40 21). Mileage wear hasn't been great with those, so this time I tried the NEW Continental DWS (same size).
No, the tires are not wearing perfectly evenly. The inside tread on the rear tires wears more quickly, but the suspension geometry is set within MB spec. MB calls for some negative camber in the rear. I was suspicious about this at first, but I now think it's a toe-in problem. Again, two separate shops (several months apart) show me the report and everything is in spec.
About four months prior to the new tires I had the alignment done at a local small shop. Again, it was only out a very small amount and everything was adjusted accordingly. Now 5,000 miles later there is very noticeable wear on the rear tires. They have now been rotated to the front, but almost 40% of their tread is gone (even the fellow at NTB was amazed at the amount of wear in that short of a time). I had NTB perform an alignment and it was the usual story.
There seems to be feathering on the rear tires, that's why I think there's too much toe-in.
Here's my questions: anyone else have excessive wear problems with their tires (escpecially on a GL550 w/21" wheels); and can I have the local alignment shop make the settings so I get better tire wear without adversely affecting handling/stability?
I used several sets of Continental tires. Normally it has been the Crosscontact UHP (296/40 21). Mileage wear hasn't been great with those, so this time I tried the NEW Continental DWS (same size).
No, the tires are not wearing perfectly evenly. The inside tread on the rear tires wears more quickly, but the suspension geometry is set within MB spec. MB calls for some negative camber in the rear. I was suspicious about this at first, but I now think it's a toe-in problem. Again, two separate shops (several months apart) show me the report and everything is in spec.
About four months prior to the new tires I had the alignment done at a local small shop. Again, it was only out a very small amount and everything was adjusted accordingly. Now 5,000 miles later there is very noticeable wear on the rear tires. They have now been rotated to the front, but almost 40% of their tread is gone (even the fellow at NTB was amazed at the amount of wear in that short of a time). I had NTB perform an alignment and it was the usual story.
There seems to be feathering on the rear tires, that's why I think there's too much toe-in.
Here's my questions: anyone else have excessive wear problems with their tires (escpecially on a GL550 w/21" wheels); and can I have the local alignment shop make the settings so I get better tire wear without adversely affecting handling/stability?
Last edited by 2010GL550; 10-13-2016 at 09:28 PM. Reason: Image didn't load properly
10-13-2016, 09:37 PM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I tried to copy and paste the VIN from another document and oh boy was it a mess, sorry about that. I attempted to delete and repost. Hopefully this looks better.
4JGBF8GE5AA562412 is the VIN.
I used several sets of Continental tires. Normally it has been the Crosscontact UHP (296/40 21). Mileage wear hasn't been great with those, so this time I tried the NEW Continental DWS (same size).
No, the tires are not wearing perfectly evenly. The inside tread on the rear tires wears more quickly, but the suspension geometry is set within MB spec. MB calls for some negative camber in the rear. I was suspicious about this at first, but I now think it's a toe-in problem. Again, two separate shops (several months apart) show me the report and everything is in spec.
About four months prior to the new tires I had the alignment done at a local small shop. Again, it was only out a very small amount and everything was adjusted accordingly. Now 5,000 miles later there is very noticeable wear on the rear tires. They have now been rotated to the front, but almost 40% of their tread is gone (even the fellow at NTB was amazed at the amount of wear in that short of a time). I had NTB perform an alignment and it was the usual story.
There seems to be feathering on the rear tires, that's why I think there's too much toe-in.
Here's my questions: anyone else have excessive wear problems with their tires (especially on a GL550 w/21" wheels); and can I have the local alignment shop make the settings so I get better tire wear without adversely affecting handling/stability?
4JGBF8GE5AA562412 is the VIN.
I used several sets of Continental tires. Normally it has been the Crosscontact UHP (296/40 21). Mileage wear hasn't been great with those, so this time I tried the NEW Continental DWS (same size).
No, the tires are not wearing perfectly evenly. The inside tread on the rear tires wears more quickly, but the suspension geometry is set within MB spec. MB calls for some negative camber in the rear. I was suspicious about this at first, but I now think it's a toe-in problem. Again, two separate shops (several months apart) show me the report and everything is in spec.
About four months prior to the new tires I had the alignment done at a local small shop. Again, it was only out a very small amount and everything was adjusted accordingly. Now 5,000 miles later there is very noticeable wear on the rear tires. They have now been rotated to the front, but almost 40% of their tread is gone (even the fellow at NTB was amazed at the amount of wear in that short of a time). I had NTB perform an alignment and it was the usual story.
There seems to be feathering on the rear tires, that's why I think there's too much toe-in.
Here's my questions: anyone else have excessive wear problems with their tires (especially on a GL550 w/21" wheels); and can I have the local alignment shop make the settings so I get better tire wear without adversely affecting handling/stability?
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10-14-2016, 09:04 AM
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
The SUV rides like a dream. New strut assemblies up front and new bags and shocks in the rear. All within the last year or so.
I'll have them double check everything we I take it in next week for an alignment check.
I'll have them double check everything we I take it in next week for an alignment check.
10-14-2016, 09:20 AM
#9
Member
So on the GL with Airmatic suspension the alignment has to be done with the Star tech system to set the vehicle at the proper ride level, in addition there is a special wheel alignment tool that must be used. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wheel-Alignm...VXGRa0&vxp=mtr
If you have factory wheels there is 5 holes on the wheel that uses a special hunter alignment tool..
I just put new wheels and tires on my truck and I couldn't find a company to properly do the alignment. And of course the dealer wanted double anyone else wants for alignment.
This morning my truck is at the dealership because I want to done correctly and done only once and that is my recommendation.
If you have factory wheels there is 5 holes on the wheel that uses a special hunter alignment tool..
I just put new wheels and tires on my truck and I couldn't find a company to properly do the alignment. And of course the dealer wanted double anyone else wants for alignment.
This morning my truck is at the dealership because I want to done correctly and done only once and that is my recommendation.
10-14-2016, 07:39 PM
#11
Actually the devices on the wheels are just a part of one of the better Hunter alignment rack models. Not specific to Mercedes or any any other brand. Also there is nothing special about aligning abc or airmatic vehicles. As long as the vehicle as at target height it will stay there and not move around allowing proper alignment. Get the truck on the rack, grab it by the roof rails and bounce it for a bit to settle the suspension. Done.
Said the above, you want the dealer to perform the alignment as their racks are maintained properly, calibrated periodically and the dealer has the expertise to identify when alignment kits are required for a particular vehicle.
Said the above, you want the dealer to perform the alignment as their racks are maintained properly, calibrated periodically and the dealer has the expertise to identify when alignment kits are required for a particular vehicle.
10-17-2016, 01:59 PM
#12
Member
2010GL550 I just got my truck back from the alignment.. Even tho the wheels didn't look to far out .. 3 of the wheels were off on caster/toe/camber so I am glad to have taken it to the dealership for this service.
I also did get my transmission service done as well which was over due.
I also did get my transmission service done as well which was over due.
10-18-2017, 02:08 PM
#13
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toyota qualis
I tried to copy and paste the VIN from another document and oh boy was it a mess, sorry about that. I attempted to delete and repost. Hopefully this looks better.
4JGBF8GE5AA562412 is the VIN.
I used several sets of Continental tires. Normally it has been the Crosscontact UHP (296/40 21). Mileage wear hasn't been great with those, so this time I tried the NEW Continental DWS (same size).
No, the tires are not wearing perfectly evenly. The inside tread on the rear tires wears more quickly, but the suspension geometry is set within MB spec. MB calls for some negative camber in the rear. I was suspicious about this at first, but I now think it's a toe-in problem. Again, two separate shops (several months apart) show me the report and everything is in spec.
About four months prior to the new tires I had the alignment done at a local small shop. Again, it was only out a very small amount and everything was adjusted accordingly. Now 5,000 miles later there is very noticeable wear on the rear tires. They have now been rotated to the front, but almost 40% of their tread is gone (even the fellow at NTB was amazed at the amount of wear in that short of a time). I had NTB perform an alignment and it was the usual story.
There seems to be feathering on the rear tires, that's why I think there's too much toe-in.
Here's my questions: anyone else have excessive wear problems with their tires (especially on a GL550 w/21" wheels); and can I have the local alignment shop make the settings so I get better tire wear without adversely affecting handling/stability?
4JGBF8GE5AA562412 is the VIN.
I used several sets of Continental tires. Normally it has been the Crosscontact UHP (296/40 21). Mileage wear hasn't been great with those, so this time I tried the NEW Continental DWS (same size).
No, the tires are not wearing perfectly evenly. The inside tread on the rear tires wears more quickly, but the suspension geometry is set within MB spec. MB calls for some negative camber in the rear. I was suspicious about this at first, but I now think it's a toe-in problem. Again, two separate shops (several months apart) show me the report and everything is in spec.
About four months prior to the new tires I had the alignment done at a local small shop. Again, it was only out a very small amount and everything was adjusted accordingly. Now 5,000 miles later there is very noticeable wear on the rear tires. They have now been rotated to the front, but almost 40% of their tread is gone (even the fellow at NTB was amazed at the amount of wear in that short of a time). I had NTB perform an alignment and it was the usual story.
There seems to be feathering on the rear tires, that's why I think there's too much toe-in.
Here's my questions: anyone else have excessive wear problems with their tires (especially on a GL550 w/21" wheels); and can I have the local alignment shop make the settings so I get better tire wear without adversely affecting handling/stability?
08-19-2018, 09:35 PM
#14
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c280 1995 green, e320 2003 black, ml 320 2000 black
Gl550
2010GL550 I just got my truck back from the alignment.. Even tho the wheels didn't look to far out .. 3 of the wheels were off on caster/toe/camber so I am glad to have taken it to the dealership for this service.
I also did get my transmission service done as well which was over due.
I also did get my transmission service done as well which was over due.
because i got the same problem with my 2010 gl550
08-21-2018, 03:01 PM
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
There is no such thing as “alignment adjustment” unless it was done improperly previously.
if a vehicle is out of alignment it’s because parts have worn, been bent, or have broken and in all cases new parts are required, as “adjustment” for these conditions is impossible.
Take your vehicle to the dealer for alignment or at least to a reputable shop with the ability to replace parts.
if a vehicle is out of alignment it’s because parts have worn, been bent, or have broken and in all cases new parts are required, as “adjustment” for these conditions is impossible.
Take your vehicle to the dealer for alignment or at least to a reputable shop with the ability to replace parts.
Last edited by lkchris; 08-21-2018 at 03:05 PM.
