Slight Bend Inside Barrel Of Wheels: To Drive or Not?
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
Slight Bend Inside Barrel Of Wheels: To Drive or Not?
According to the Mercedes dealer in Tennessee, I have four wheels with a slight bend inside the barrel. They did rebalance the wheels to try to improve the situation. The service advisor states that it’s OK to drive on. This seems to go against conventional wisdom. Wouldn’t this put additional stress on the axles? Can anyone comment because I have conflicting information.
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According to the Mercedes dealer in Tennessee, I have four wheels with a slight bend inside the barrel. They did rebalance the wheels to try to improve the situation. The service advisor states that it’s OK to drive on. This seems to go against conventional wisdom. Wouldn’t this put additional stress on the axles? Can anyone comment because I have conflicting information.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
I wouldn't drive on bent wheels if I were you. Is this a C 450 or C 43? If I recalled correctly, you recently picked up a used C 450 right? If so might as well go aftermarket wheels as the oem can bend easily or even crack, there are many threads on this particular issue but here is one of them: https://mbworld.org/forums/c450-c43-...-cracking.html
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From: New Orleans Area
2015 E400 Sedan
how much are they out of round?
Measurements?
I mean nothing is perfect no matter what they say but how far from round are they?
What is runout?
Have tires removed and wheel put on a good lathe and measure with runout measurement tool:
$$$ Accurate = Mitutoyo - LCD Electronic Drop Indicator: 30.40 mm Max, 0.0015 mm Accuracy, Flat Back | MSC Direct
Nice one = Mitutoyo - Dial Indicator & Base Kit: 0.0000 Min Measurement, 0.0500 Max Measurement, +/-.0001" Accuracy | MSC Direct
El Cheapo = Value Collection - Dial Indicator & Base Kit: 0-100 Dial | MSC Direct
Measurements?
I mean nothing is perfect no matter what they say but how far from round are they?
What is runout?
Have tires removed and wheel put on a good lathe and measure with runout measurement tool:
$$$ Accurate = Mitutoyo - LCD Electronic Drop Indicator: 30.40 mm Max, 0.0015 mm Accuracy, Flat Back | MSC Direct
Nice one = Mitutoyo - Dial Indicator & Base Kit: 0.0000 Min Measurement, 0.0500 Max Measurement, +/-.0001" Accuracy | MSC Direct
El Cheapo = Value Collection - Dial Indicator & Base Kit: 0-100 Dial | MSC Direct
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 44
From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
how much are they out of round?
Measurements?
I mean nothing is perfect no matter what they say but how far from round are they?
What is runout?
Have tires removed and wheel put on a good lathe and measure with runout measurement tool:
$$$ Accurate = Mitutoyo - LCD Electronic Drop Indicator: 30.40 mm Max, 0.0015 mm Accuracy, Flat Back | MSC Direct
Nice one = Mitutoyo - Dial Indicator & Base Kit: 0.0000 Min Measurement, 0.0500 Max Measurement, +/-.0001" Accuracy | MSC Direct
El Cheapo = Value Collection - Dial Indicator & Base Kit: 0-100 Dial | MSC Direct
Measurements?
I mean nothing is perfect no matter what they say but how far from round are they?
What is runout?
Have tires removed and wheel put on a good lathe and measure with runout measurement tool:
$$$ Accurate = Mitutoyo - LCD Electronic Drop Indicator: 30.40 mm Max, 0.0015 mm Accuracy, Flat Back | MSC Direct
Nice one = Mitutoyo - Dial Indicator & Base Kit: 0.0000 Min Measurement, 0.0500 Max Measurement, +/-.0001" Accuracy | MSC Direct
El Cheapo = Value Collection - Dial Indicator & Base Kit: 0-100 Dial | MSC Direct
I will find out the repair shops process and ask for measurements. I know this a band aid. My last car, I had hybrid forged and they held up well.
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Hey good to hear from you. I ended up buying a C400. The tech said there are no cracks evident, but there was a slight bend. I did drive down the street and it’s certainly better but still there. it seems like the best course of action is to look on the classifies to see about buying some used wheels at 100 bucks apiece and then just remount the tires.
how much are they out of round?
Measurements?
I mean nothing is perfect no matter what they say but how far from round are they?
What is runout?
Have tires removed and wheel put on a good lathe and measure with runout measurement tool:
$$$ Accurate = Mitutoyo - LCD Electronic Drop Indicator: 30.40 mm Max, 0.0015 mm Accuracy, Flat Back | MSC Direct
Nice one = Mitutoyo - Dial Indicator & Base Kit: 0.0000 Min Measurement, 0.0500 Max Measurement, +/-.0001" Accuracy | MSC Direct
El Cheapo = Value Collection - Dial Indicator & Base Kit: 0-100 Dial | MSC Direct
Measurements?
I mean nothing is perfect no matter what they say but how far from round are they?
What is runout?
Have tires removed and wheel put on a good lathe and measure with runout measurement tool:
$$$ Accurate = Mitutoyo - LCD Electronic Drop Indicator: 30.40 mm Max, 0.0015 mm Accuracy, Flat Back | MSC Direct
Nice one = Mitutoyo - Dial Indicator & Base Kit: 0.0000 Min Measurement, 0.0500 Max Measurement, +/-.0001" Accuracy | MSC Direct
El Cheapo = Value Collection - Dial Indicator & Base Kit: 0-100 Dial | MSC Direct
I don’t know the answer. There’s no cracks from the tech’s assessment. It’s most notable in the rear so I suspect multiple bends.
I will find out the repair shops process and ask for measurements. I know this a band aid. My last car, I had hybrid forged and they held up well.
I will find out the repair shops process and ask for measurements. I know this a band aid. My last car, I had hybrid forged and they held up well.
Agree, thanks for chiming in to OP's post with the assessment and agree it depends on how off it is. The only reason I recommend going aftermarket in my prior post is because of a known issue of bending and cracking of stock wheels especially 19s. The run-flats that stock comes with also doesn't have at all (ie. makes it even more susceptible to damage and then that damage can stress the suspension components as a result). Tire pressures of course also plays a role.
Recommend getting it road force balanced using a Hunter machine.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
Ah congrats on the C 400! It is a great vehicle good choice : ) Enjoy in good health.
Agree, thanks for chiming in to OP's post with the assessment and agree it depends on how off it is. The only reason I recommend going aftermarket in my prior post is because of a known issue of bending and cracking of stock wheels especially 19s. The run-flats that stock comes with also doesn't have at all (ie. makes it even more susceptible to damage and then that damage can stress the suspension components as a result). Tire pressures of course also plays a role.
Recommend getting it road force balanced using a Hunter machine.
Agree, thanks for chiming in to OP's post with the assessment and agree it depends on how off it is. The only reason I recommend going aftermarket in my prior post is because of a known issue of bending and cracking of stock wheels especially 19s. The run-flats that stock comes with also doesn't have at all (ie. makes it even more susceptible to damage and then that damage can stress the suspension components as a result). Tire pressures of course also plays a role.
Recommend getting it road force balanced using a Hunter machine.
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Thanks for that. Unfortunately, I don’t have the budget for new wheels. I’m not sure what the dealer will do. Repair will be a band aid. It’s awful position to be as I’m stuck in knoxville and traveling back to Los Angeles. The dealership definitely knew. Hopefully it’s resolved but Thanksgiving is just around the corner.
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From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
Why doesn’t that dealer just have someone come straiten them as a way to give you more time to buy some wheels? This will be completed in less than a day.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
well, I was hoping to avoid cast wheels. I typically do hybrid forged, which are you know up there so if you have suggestions, I’m completely open to cast as a temporary. Thanks
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
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Fully understand, ya need to go forged for good quality and durability and lightness. Stock mb wheels are cast (other than 63 models' forged) as well though, no?
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2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
yeah, the shop here wants 125 a wheel. He says they normally charge 150 to 175. And then the balancing is $31 of a tire. it adds up quick
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Hmmm that is not too too bad but they should had included the balancing in the pricing. That said, if they do the work properly then it might be worth it.
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From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
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2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
I did reach out to him and they’re 125 a wheel only repair with no balancing. I’m just gonna stick with OCD wheels. I have at 2 o’clock for today and then head over free service tire at 5:00 pm. I’ve definitely made the dealership aware of the situation and I’m putting some heat on them. So far they’re just hiding behind phones and text. Thanks for the help.
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2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
Update
All of the wheels have been repaired and it’s been balanced. It’s riding very smoothly.
OCD WHEELS REPAIRED BENDS
RF - 3
LF- 4
RR- 2
LR - 3
Pretty crazy.
OCD WHEELS REPAIRED BENDS
RF - 3
LF- 4
RR- 2
LR - 3
Pretty crazy.
Last edited by Nicholi2007; Nov 27, 2024 at 08:22 PM.
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I did reach out to him and they’re 125 a wheel only repair with no balancing. I’m just gonna stick with OCD wheels. I have at 2 o’clock for today and then head over free service tire at 5:00 pm. I’ve definitely made the dealership aware of the situation and I’m putting some heat on them. So far they’re just hiding behind phones and text. Thanks for the help.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
Although not at high speed and I’m feeling some vibration. I just don’t know how soft these rims are. I have nothing to compare to so it’s uncharted territory for me. I know I’m on borrowed time so hopefully I can get back to Los Angeles with no other issues. Happy holidays guys.
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well, I’ve already hit a frost heave on an expressway
Although not at high speed and I’m feeling some vibration. I just don’t know how soft these rims are. I have nothing to compare to so it’s uncharted territory for me. I know I’m on borrowed time so hopefully I can get back to Los Angeles with no other issues. Happy holidays guys.
Although not at high speed and I’m feeling some vibration. I just don’t know how soft these rims are. I have nothing to compare to so it’s uncharted territory for me. I know I’m on borrowed time so hopefully I can get back to Los Angeles with no other issues. Happy holidays guys.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
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From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
well, I’ve already hit a frost heave on an expressway
Although not at high speed and I’m feeling some vibration. I just don’t know how soft these rims are. I have nothing to compare to so it’s uncharted territory for me. I know I’m on borrowed time so hopefully I can get back to Los Angeles with no other issues. Happy holidays guys.
Although not at high speed and I’m feeling some vibration. I just don’t know how soft these rims are. I have nothing to compare to so it’s uncharted territory for me. I know I’m on borrowed time so hopefully I can get back to Los Angeles with no other issues. Happy holidays guys.
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Yes tire pressures certainly plays a role use the max load cold tire pressures shown on the fuel cap door.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
I have 19 inch wheels on this car and here’s the read out. I started the car only drove for about 2 miles. It’s 33° here
pretty sure I’ve already bent the rims. It seems unlikely that one of the wheel weights came off, but I suppose anything is possible. The only thing I can do now is have it rebalanced.
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I have 19 inch wheels on this car and here’s the read out. I started the car only drove for about 2 miles. It’s 33° here
pretty sure I’ve already bent the rims. It seems unlikely that one of the wheel weights came off, but I suppose anything is possible. The only thing I can do now is have it rebalanced.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
Seems a bit too low to me, what does it show on the fuel cap door asking because the values on the C 400 is different to the C 43, I do 39 all around for my winter 19s for example. It is not the best but the best for me in terms of comfort and handling. Usually front and rear values are different.
Man, I should’ve checked it. I thought they would’ve made sure the right tire pressure was in.
