Tire Replacement Question
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 108
Likes: 18
From: DFW
C450 AMG
Tire Replacement Question
Is replacing only 2 tires (same axle?) Ok?
Unsurprisingly, my C450's front tires are very worn and need to be replaced, but the rears have plenty of tread left. Is it ok to replace only the front tires (would be same exact tire)? I keep reading different opinions. Some say you shouldn't because it could put stress on the differential and jack some mechanical things up. But some people say it is ok as long as you replace both fronts.
Was this ever answered?
Unsurprisingly, my C450's front tires are very worn and need to be replaced, but the rears have plenty of tread left. Is it ok to replace only the front tires (would be same exact tire)? I keep reading different opinions. Some say you shouldn't because it could put stress on the differential and jack some mechanical things up. But some people say it is ok as long as you replace both fronts.
Was this ever answered?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 609
Likes: 242
From: Suburban Maryland
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
I vote keep each axle with similar wear on tires for no problems, based on what i have read. This is obviously not an expert opinion.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: Florida
2021 AMG C43
Is replacing only 2 tires (same axle?) Ok?
Unsurprisingly, my C450's front tires are very worn and need to be replaced, but the rears have plenty of tread left. Is it ok to replace only the front tires (would be same exact tire)? I keep reading different opinions. Some say you shouldn't because it could put stress on the differential and jack some mechanical things up. But some people say it is ok as long as you replace both fronts.
Was this ever answered?
Unsurprisingly, my C450's front tires are very worn and need to be replaced, but the rears have plenty of tread left. Is it ok to replace only the front tires (would be same exact tire)? I keep reading different opinions. Some say you shouldn't because it could put stress on the differential and jack some mechanical things up. But some people say it is ok as long as you replace both fronts.
Was this ever answered?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,460
Likes: 5,353
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Strictly speaking it depends on the tread wear difference between any two tires. The general guidance for 4Matic and pretty much any AWD system is that the tread wear difference between any two tires should not exceed 2/32" to 3/32". Given that a new tire typically has about 10/32" of tread, it's ok to just replace the front tires if the rears still have 7/32" to 8/32" of tread.
