CLK Steering Problems...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 166
Likes: 6
2005 E55, 2002 CLK55, 2005 SLK350 also a 2009 BMW 335-IX
CLK Steering Problems...
Luke,
I have a 2002 CLK55 with just 13K miles on it with the Original Michelin Pilot Sports. They have lots of tread left.
On very smoth pavement at high speeds it tracks straight, stable and true. At slower, in-town speeds, with any imperfections in the road surface, it's all over the place, pulling to one side or another. The damn thing has a mind of it's own. I had the MB Dealership check/perform an alignment last year and it really has not changed anything. I have played with the tire pressures and that makes no difference.
My other cars (front drivers) do not exhibit this problem. Any advice for me short of getting a 911?
Regards,
HEO
I have a 2002 CLK55 with just 13K miles on it with the Original Michelin Pilot Sports. They have lots of tread left.
On very smoth pavement at high speeds it tracks straight, stable and true. At slower, in-town speeds, with any imperfections in the road surface, it's all over the place, pulling to one side or another. The damn thing has a mind of it's own. I had the MB Dealership check/perform an alignment last year and it really has not changed anything. I have played with the tire pressures and that makes no difference.
My other cars (front drivers) do not exhibit this problem. Any advice for me short of getting a 911?
Regards,
HEO
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,880
Likes: 9
From: Seattle
05 E55
Get the 911!!
Just kidding. Has your car been lowered or had any sort of suspension mods? Any uneven wear on the tires from negative camber (inside edge of the tire worn out more)
I'm guessing the stearing damper could be the culprit, but let me know about the suspension.
Also, I have never driven on those tires, but I would go to tirerack.com and research the reviews on your tire to see if other users experience the same thing with that particular tire.
Just kidding. Has your car been lowered or had any sort of suspension mods? Any uneven wear on the tires from negative camber (inside edge of the tire worn out more)
I'm guessing the stearing damper could be the culprit, but let me know about the suspension.
Also, I have never driven on those tires, but I would go to tirerack.com and research the reviews on your tire to see if other users experience the same thing with that particular tire.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, TX
CLK430 designo
Mine did the same thing when I had Yokohamas on it. They were brand new when I got the car, too. I think it's just the tires because i have Sumitomo now and they don't act the same way.
Super Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 960
Likes: 0
My car tramlined very bad with the pilot sports i was confident something was wrong with my suspension. Tramlining is the pulling with any imperfections in the road. My advice to you would be to change out the tires, as soon as they cup or feather slightly it gets worse.
I have used pirelli Pzero they have not tramlined bad at all, and goodyear eagle f1 is a very good tire too. I now have my car lowered and it helps even out the treadware cuz the clk always scrubbed the outer edges with agressive driving even if the alignment was correct (Toe, camber)
I have used pirelli Pzero they have not tramlined bad at all, and goodyear eagle f1 is a very good tire too. I now have my car lowered and it helps even out the treadware cuz the clk always scrubbed the outer edges with agressive driving even if the alignment was correct (Toe, camber)
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 166
Likes: 6
2005 E55, 2002 CLK55, 2005 SLK350 also a 2009 BMW 335-IX
Don't tempt me...
Don't tempt me with that 911 too much... You know how I get! LOL
Anyway, the car is totally stock and the tires show no unusual wear patterns. I can't see trashing the Michelins at this point... there is too much life left in them. I agree that it's the tramlining thing that has me down. I will have the dealer check the alignment and the damper next time she goes in for an oil change.
Thanks for all the replies.
HEO
Anyway, the car is totally stock and the tires show no unusual wear patterns. I can't see trashing the Michelins at this point... there is too much life left in them. I agree that it's the tramlining thing that has me down. I will have the dealer check the alignment and the damper next time she goes in for an oil change.
Thanks for all the replies.
HEO
