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Wheels rubbing in the rear thinking about grinding

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Old 03-20-2006, 10:52 AM
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2006 C230WZ
Wheels rubbing in the rear thinking about grinding

My rear wheels are rubbing slightly when the suspension compresses on the rear of the car. The area that is coming in contact with the tire is the point where the sheet metal meets the plastic rear bumper cover. I had planned on trying to grind the area down with a die grinder but was worried about the paint. Grinding may generate some heat even if I go slowly. On the wheel thread it was suggested that I just hammered the area but I would think that could deform the sheet metal in other areas. I am a very capable person so would hate to have to take a trip to the body shop. I would love to hear some opinions or past experiences. Thanks

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Old 03-20-2006, 12:18 PM
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My suggestion if you don't want to go to the body shop to have them rolled would to figure out how much is the rubbing going on (1mm,2mm). Instead of using a hammer which would destroy the rear fender to use a Dremel with the Diamond Tip attachment that I love and grind it down 2mm and than use touchup paint to prevent rust.

If you afraid to try it than go have it done professionally by the bodyshop and spend $200 to resolve the problem.
Old 03-20-2006, 01:04 PM
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I do not see what the body shop could actually roll in that area. Seems like in the particular spot that is rubbing all the shop would do is grind just like I plan too. I was hoping someone might have done the same themselves or be familiar with what the body shop does when they roll the fender on out cars.
Old 03-20-2006, 06:34 PM
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Ok so it seems that it rubs only on the driver side. I weigh about 190 and had a 250 pound guy in the passenger seat and it only rubbed on my side. Could I have a bad shock from the factory my car only has 6000 miles on it? If I took it to the dealer would they just immediately blame the wheels?
Old 03-20-2006, 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by jac1502
Ok so it seems that it rubs only on the driver side. I weigh about 190 and had a 250 pound guy in the passenger seat and it only rubbed on my side. Could I have a bad shock from the factory my car only has 6000 miles on it? If I took it to the dealer would they just immediately blame the wheels?
Nah, some cars naturally don't come perfect from the factory. You might not see it now, but if you put 20mm spacers to pop out your front wheels, you might then notice that the chassis is slightly to your left or slightly more to your right. It happens though, i've seen it myself more than enough in that only one side happens to rub (yet the shocks are fine). Can't blame MB, all manufacturers are like that - just takes modding to find out .

flip
Old 03-20-2006, 07:05 PM
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2006 C230 SS
Originally Posted by jac1502
Ok so it seems that it rubs only on the driver side. I weigh about 190 and had a 250 pound guy in the passenger seat and it only rubbed on my side. Could I have a bad shock from the factory my car only has 6000 miles on it? If I took it to the dealer would they just immediately blame the wheels?
put your regular wheels back on first...

i just talked to my service rep a few days back and was asking about warrenty... she said that if i upgraded my wheels, then complained about springs, its not covered, because I added an aftermarket part, etc, etc... so just put stock wheels on for now...
Old 03-20-2006, 07:57 PM
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2006 C230WZ
I appreciate all the response I am going to go inspect more and see what I come up with. I just hope I can fight the need to get the die grinder out for now
Old 03-20-2006, 08:46 PM
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Well I just got in from the garage where I did ended up grinding a lot of plastic and a little metal. I then brushed a nice thick coat of gloss black paint on. I think I might have solved the problem but if not I have a lot more metal that can come off. Ill keep everyone posted!
Old 03-21-2006, 07:55 AM
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So...How did it go? I'm planning on doing the same to mine today.

Al
Old 03-21-2006, 08:26 AM
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You can also have your alignment shop dial in a little more negative camber in the rear (that helps)
Old 03-21-2006, 08:36 AM
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2006 C230WZ
I did not drive today I car pool sometimes but ill know tomorrow, sorry
Old 03-21-2006, 08:42 AM
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Just keep driving...the problem will eventually take care of itself
Old 03-21-2006, 09:10 AM
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You know the bad thing is if it did not leave marks on my clean tire I probably would have done just that!
Old 03-21-2006, 09:19 AM
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I see...yeah...if it is leaving noticeable marks I would definiltey do something about it. Use the dremel though as opposed to a grinder as another member mentioned above. A grinder generates way too much heat and will damage your paint...even if you don't see it right away, it will buble out eventually. The dremel creates very little heat, but you still need to be careful. Start and stop alot...do not constantly grind. Good luck man!

When I did my last array of mods my front tire was up in my spring perch! I took a grinder, torch and welder to that SOB.... What a rush taking those destructive tools to benz! Let's hope you don't have to go to that extreme!
Old 03-21-2006, 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Brunelleschi
Just keep driving...the problem will eventually take care of itself
what?
Old 03-21-2006, 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by jac1502
I did not drive today I car pool sometimes but ill know tomorrow, sorry
what's your setup?

tire size? wheel size? and suspension?
Old 03-21-2006, 10:42 AM
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2006 C230WZ
stock 06 c230wz suspension
Front 19 8.5 30mm offset 235/35/19
Rear 19 9.5 30mm offset 265/30/19
Old 03-21-2006, 10:54 AM
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Originally Posted by AMG BRED
what?
Old 03-21-2006, 11:08 AM
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Originally Posted by jac1502
stock 06 c230wz suspension
Front 19 8.5 30mm offset 235/35/19
Rear 19 9.5 30mm offset 265/30/19
that's not bad. shouldn't rub.

1. I would suggest using a drummel on the rear fender where the fender and bumper meet. There is a piece that sticks out (sort of folded out from the sheetmetal) and you may have to relocate the screw further back.

2. I would also suggest switching your tires to Toyo Proxes T1s. They have a more rounded sidewall which is less prone to rubbing.

3. Redo your alignment, the alignment center should have adjusted the camber to compensate for the wider rubber. Maybe a slightly more aggressive camber.

4. Go with 255 tire size or drop down to a 9 x 19 wheel size.
Old 03-21-2006, 11:15 AM
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Well I just bought the tires and wheels so I will make them fit one way or another plus I like the look of 265. I will keep the toyos in mind next time I need tires but that is a long way off. I do still have to have an alignment so that may help some as well. Thanks though
Old 03-21-2006, 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by jac1502
Well I just bought the tires and wheels so I will make them fit one way or another plus I like the look of 265. I will keep the toyos in mind next time I need tires but that is a long way off. I do still have to have an alignment so that may help some as well. Thanks though
"long way off" ?? no such thing.
Old 03-21-2006, 11:39 AM
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yeah true that but hey I can dream cant I I am not very familar with the rear suspension of this car can someone explain what points of adjustment the rear end has. I am use to the jeeps straight axles and the vetts single leaf independant so this is new to me!
Old 03-22-2006, 07:50 AM
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Well....I grinded mine but it still rubs. At least now I know that it's rubbing on the fenders. I'm looking for an experienced, good qualified bodyshop to roll them in the Orlando area. We'll see how they turn out.

Hopefully you took care of your rubbing just by grinding those tabs. I don't wish what I'm going through to anyone. It's the pitts!!!!

Al
Old 03-22-2006, 08:30 AM
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Well the grinding I did helped! I drove the car last night and this morning and only got it to rub one time on a very hard turn. I still can grind more so I guess I just need to load the car down with people and see how much I have to take off!
Old 03-23-2006, 08:28 AM
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Cool!!! I ended up having to roll mine...Works fine!!!


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