Alignment
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 10
2004 CLK320
Alignment
I felt some vibrations on high speed (120-140 KMH) so I went to the tire store to balance my wheels. The technician there told me that based on the tire wear, I needed an alignment. Thisis OK because I plan for an alignment after I change the rear shock absorbers next week.
He then told me that the tires should be in good condition for a proper alignment. Any truth in this? I asked because I will need a new tire on my rear-right in 2-3 months.
He then told me that the tires should be in good condition for a proper alignment. Any truth in this? I asked because I will need a new tire on my rear-right in 2-3 months.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 576
Likes: 28
From: chicago
Firemist O5 CLK55 Cab Silver 05 CLK55 Coupe Tanzanite 06 CLK500 Coupe
It is important
I suspect that if your alignment comes with any kind of "warranty" it will be void if you put new tires on afterwards.
Of course they should also be changed in pairs.
Of course they should also be changed in pairs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 61
From: Atlanta Metro
2008 clk550 - Navigator - Frontier
One of the guru types can give you a more accurate reply but I thought the "alignment" would align the stuff your wheels attach to. Those adjustment should remain intact. I wouldn't think uneven wear would take the car out of alignment.
The ride is a different issue as the tires would be fighting the alignment.
In any case I would just wait until I replaced the rears and the shocks.
The ride is a different issue as the tires would be fighting the alignment.
In any case I would just wait until I replaced the rears and the shocks.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 4
From: somewhere in AZ
w215 - CL55 w/stage III
I felt some vibrations on high speed (120-140 KMH) so I went to the tire store to balance my wheels. The technician there told me that based on the tire wear, I needed an alignment. Thisis OK because I plan for an alignment after I change the rear shock absorbers next week.
He then told me that the tires should be in good condition for a proper alignment. Any truth in this? I asked because I will need a new tire on my rear-right in 2-3 months.
He then told me that the tires should be in good condition for a proper alignment. Any truth in this? I asked because I will need a new tire on my rear-right in 2-3 months.
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,702
Likes: 179
Mercedes-Benz CLK 550
I felt some vibrations on high speed (120-140 KMH) so I went to the tire store to balance my wheels. The technician there told me that based on the tire wear, I needed an alignment. Thisis OK because I plan for an alignment after I change the rear shock absorbers next week.
He then told me that the tires should be in good condition for a proper alignment. Any truth in this? I asked because I will need a new tire on my rear-right in 2-3 months.
He then told me that the tires should be in good condition for a proper alignment. Any truth in this? I asked because I will need a new tire on my rear-right in 2-3 months.
“I need an alignment” – keep in mind…
Since the mid 90 model’s, there has been no Camber and Caster adjustment facility fitted OEM!
Only current adjustment is front and rear Toe.
To attempt to return vehicle to factory specs to resolve premature inner edge tire wear, improve traction, and fix steering pull the only alternative for Camber and Caster is to fit offset, slotted bolts. But these are inaccurate one only position bolts with a minuscule .3 of one degree adjustment (3mm).
It’s no wonder many owners continually change tire brands or go from one MB Dealer or alignment shop to another trying to get it right/fix the problem.
We saw the need therefore "to fix it right the first time" by designing, developing, patenting (and re-instating from the 1990's) fully adjustable front suspension for virtually all models.
The current K-MAC kits have up to 4 times the adjustment of the one position offset bolts (both Positive or Negative). And unlike these offset one position bolts they can be accurately adjusted - under load, direct on alignment turntable (no need to remove and reinstall each time).
Ongoing precise adjustment of both Camber and Caster settings if altering suspension height, fitting wide profile tires/wheels or for curb knock damage with the unique K-MAC patented design is just a single wrench/no disassembly.
For the rear, similar kits for precise Camber adjustment with additional Toe to compensate for the new Camber facility. Unlike the alternative adjustable Camber arms K-MAC rear kits do not move top of tire outwards - this reducing all important clearance to outer fender when adjusting to fix premature inner edge tire wear/improve rear traction.
Bonus with the four front and four rear bushes is that they are designed with twice the load bearing area and also replace the highest wearing suspension bushings. And with K-MAC no special tools are required to fit.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 10
2004 CLK320
I will change the rear shocks and then do a alignment.
As for the worn tire, I will wait until it is worn down and replace it. This tire should last another few months.
I know, ideally, both tires in each axle should be replaced in pair. However, my rear-right always worn down a lot faster than rear-left. I remember someone said that this is because the rear-right spins more than the rear-left because of the traction control.
As for the worn tire, I will wait until it is worn down and replace it. This tire should last another few months.
I know, ideally, both tires in each axle should be replaced in pair. However, my rear-right always worn down a lot faster than rear-left. I remember someone said that this is because the rear-right spins more than the rear-left because of the traction control.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
2008 CLK 550 Cabriolet
I will change the rear shocks and then do a alignment.
As for the worn tire, I will wait until it is worn down and replace it. This tire should last another few months.
I know, ideally, both tires in each axle should be replaced in pair. However, my rear-right always worn down a lot faster than rear-left. I remember someone said that this is because the rear-right spins more than the rear-left because of the traction control.
As for the worn tire, I will wait until it is worn down and replace it. This tire should last another few months.
I know, ideally, both tires in each axle should be replaced in pair. However, my rear-right always worn down a lot faster than rear-left. I remember someone said that this is because the rear-right spins more than the rear-left because of the traction control.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 10
2004 CLK320
Any truth to the rear-right wears faster than rear-left? I was told that the traction control always uses the rear-right to test the road surface.
This is the behavior of my w209 based on 10 years of ownership but I never could confirm the reason.
This is the behavior of my w209 based on 10 years of ownership but I never could confirm the reason.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 10
2004 CLK320
Just to update my tire situation.
I changed the rear shocks and did an alignment afterward. Then 3 days later, I had a flat in the front-right so I went to the same tire store right away. This time I saw it myself, the inside edge (near the side wall) was badly worn, almost to the wire. There was a cut there, I guess it was worn so thin that any small sharp rock would cut it.
I changed to a new tire and went to alignment again. Surprisingly, there was no change in the settings. The guy did not charge me and he actually apologized that he should have checked the tires in my first visit.
I think this front-right tire was worn so drastic because of the broken suspension coil on the front-left a few weeks prior. Not sure how long I drove on the broken coil and it would cause the car to be "tilted".
I changed the rear shocks and did an alignment afterward. Then 3 days later, I had a flat in the front-right so I went to the same tire store right away. This time I saw it myself, the inside edge (near the side wall) was badly worn, almost to the wire. There was a cut there, I guess it was worn so thin that any small sharp rock would cut it.
I changed to a new tire and went to alignment again. Surprisingly, there was no change in the settings. The guy did not charge me and he actually apologized that he should have checked the tires in my first visit.
I think this front-right tire was worn so drastic because of the broken suspension coil on the front-left a few weeks prior. Not sure how long I drove on the broken coil and it would cause the car to be "tilted".
Last edited by mis3; Sep 6, 2014 at 08:15 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 14
From: SoCal
None for now
What is your suspension? I'm gonna get Eibach springs with Bilstein Sport shocks with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires soon and was wondering if I would need a camber kit. I know I need an alignment for sure though.
