Perhaps switched to different tires.
Suspension/tires causing tracking issues
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 2
From: Seattle
1990 300ce
Suspension/tires causing tracking issues
Hey guys.
This has been going on with my car for a long time. Ever since I upgraded to 18x8 rims with 225/40/r18's and lowered it on H&R springs, the car wanders all over the place. It's super annoying.
It's especially bad on the freeway and where ever there are ruts in the road. I used to drive a Jeep Wrangler that was lifted with big tires (ha ha, its funny to go from a red-neck car to a mercedes), so I was very used to this.
I have always assumed that it's just a drawback of going with wider rims. My thought has always been that it's a leverage issue- the wheels/tires are wider, which causes leverage against the steering components when I go over ruts. That the wider wheels make the car easier to be steered all over the place (is steered a word?).
For those of you who have wider wheels installed on your cars, is this an issue for you? My car certainly did not do this when it was riding on the stock wheels/tires.
One more bit of info, I had a full alignment done by the shop that lowered my car. However, my tires are wearing prematurely in both the front and the rear. I know that I need to get a camber kit for the rear eventually, but my understanding is that the front is adjustable enough that you can get it back to within spec without modification. However, the fronts are still wearing on the inside edges more than the outer edges. So maybe that's a clue.
But what I really want to know is if you other guys with wider tires have noticed this same thing, or if something's wrong with my car. Thanks doods.
This has been going on with my car for a long time. Ever since I upgraded to 18x8 rims with 225/40/r18's and lowered it on H&R springs, the car wanders all over the place. It's super annoying.
It's especially bad on the freeway and where ever there are ruts in the road. I used to drive a Jeep Wrangler that was lifted with big tires (ha ha, its funny to go from a red-neck car to a mercedes), so I was very used to this.
I have always assumed that it's just a drawback of going with wider rims. My thought has always been that it's a leverage issue- the wheels/tires are wider, which causes leverage against the steering components when I go over ruts. That the wider wheels make the car easier to be steered all over the place (is steered a word?).
For those of you who have wider wheels installed on your cars, is this an issue for you? My car certainly did not do this when it was riding on the stock wheels/tires.
One more bit of info, I had a full alignment done by the shop that lowered my car. However, my tires are wearing prematurely in both the front and the rear. I know that I need to get a camber kit for the rear eventually, but my understanding is that the front is adjustable enough that you can get it back to within spec without modification. However, the fronts are still wearing on the inside edges more than the outer edges. So maybe that's a clue.
But what I really want to know is if you other guys with wider tires have noticed this same thing, or if something's wrong with my car. Thanks doods.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,062
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
Dora the Explorer
as soon as the camber changes, some alignment issues that may be "in spec" can be geometrically increased. You need to measure (or have a shop measure) the chassis and the suspension to make sure everything is straight. My car drives straight, doesn't pull, and seems "in spec" when it comes to alignment, but I noticed the right front wheel was way towards the rear of the wheel well. The shop measured the chassis, everything was good. They measured the suspension and boom - she had a bent a-arm and bent spindle. If she was lowered, the track probably would have been all over the place.
And BTW, steered is a word; doods isn't.
And BTW, steered is a word; doods isn't.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,094
Likes: 0
From: Boston
is a German Tank
Hey guys.
This has been going on with my car for a long time. Ever since I upgraded to 18x8 rims with 225/40/r18's and lowered it on H&R springs, the car wanders all over the place. It's super annoying.
It's especially bad on the freeway and where ever there are ruts in the road. I used to drive a Jeep Wrangler that was lifted with big tires (ha ha, its funny to go from a red-neck car to a mercedes), so I was very used to this.
I have always assumed that it's just a drawback of going with wider rims. My thought has always been that it's a leverage issue- the wheels/tires are wider, which causes leverage against the steering components when I go over ruts. That the wider wheels make the car easier to be steered all over the place (is steered a word?).
For those of you who have wider wheels installed on your cars, is this an issue for you? My car certainly did not do this when it was riding on the stock wheels/tires.
One more bit of info, I had a full alignment done by the shop that lowered my car. However, my tires are wearing prematurely in both the front and the rear. I know that I need to get a camber kit for the rear eventually, but my understanding is that the front is adjustable enough that you can get it back to within spec without modification. However, the fronts are still wearing on the inside edges more than the outer edges. So maybe that's a clue.
But what I really want to know is if you other guys with wider tires have noticed this same thing, or if something's wrong with my car. Thanks doods.
This has been going on with my car for a long time. Ever since I upgraded to 18x8 rims with 225/40/r18's and lowered it on H&R springs, the car wanders all over the place. It's super annoying.
It's especially bad on the freeway and where ever there are ruts in the road. I used to drive a Jeep Wrangler that was lifted with big tires (ha ha, its funny to go from a red-neck car to a mercedes), so I was very used to this.
I have always assumed that it's just a drawback of going with wider rims. My thought has always been that it's a leverage issue- the wheels/tires are wider, which causes leverage against the steering components when I go over ruts. That the wider wheels make the car easier to be steered all over the place (is steered a word?).
For those of you who have wider wheels installed on your cars, is this an issue for you? My car certainly did not do this when it was riding on the stock wheels/tires.
One more bit of info, I had a full alignment done by the shop that lowered my car. However, my tires are wearing prematurely in both the front and the rear. I know that I need to get a camber kit for the rear eventually, but my understanding is that the front is adjustable enough that you can get it back to within spec without modification. However, the fronts are still wearing on the inside edges more than the outer edges. So maybe that's a clue.
But what I really want to know is if you other guys with wider tires have noticed this same thing, or if something's wrong with my car. Thanks doods.
I have M pilots and they have been balanced.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,062
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
Dora the Explorer
another thing I just thought of - worn suspension bushings. It could also be worn steering rack, but I don't know too much about the signs/symptoms of worn out power steering.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 2
From: Seattle
1990 300ce
nice, thanks guys. I will need to do a 3-way alignment soon. I had my mechanic inspect all of my bushings a while back and he said they looked good. I don't have anything in my service records that indicate that they were replaced, so who knows.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 0
From: San Diego Californ-i-a
89 300TE, and 68 280sel
Ive got tracking issues with my 18's, I think I need to get the tie rod ends etc replaced. If the road is rutted my car likes to go where it likes, I hate it. But I got the ol winter rubber on right now so it's not too bad. Do you have rubbing issues on the CE? My bro has had some rubs on his and I don't think there is much you can do about the rear camber w/out adjusting the fenders some
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,062
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
Dora the Explorer
Ive got tracking issues with my 18's, I think I need to get the tie rod ends etc replaced. If the road is rutted my car likes to go where it likes, I hate it. But I got the ol winter rubber on right now so it's not too bad. Do you have rubbing issues on the CE? My bro has had some rubs on his and I don't think there is much you can do about the rear camber w/out adjusting the fenders some
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
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
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 0
From: San Diego Californ-i-a
89 300TE, and 68 280sel
Thanks mayn! I took that before thanks giving last year during one of the first snows about 14 miles north of my apartment. It's all snowmobile country until spring 
Chris, You have a newer ride too, I bet your front end is a bit tighter than our early gen w124's. I am afraid I am going to have to spend some serious time and a few bux rebuilding mine, just to have it new and right. count your blessings
one less thing to do.
Chris, You have a newer ride too, I bet your front end is a bit tighter than our early gen w124's. I am afraid I am going to have to spend some serious time and a few bux rebuilding mine, just to have it new and right. count your blessings
one less thing to do.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,816
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
W124's
thanks buddy. To be honest - I still love the look on the older W124s. I still miss my old one a lot especially since I see Omar's white 300E 2.8 all the time it always reminds me. All the money and effort is way worth it! Don't worry - you're TE is gonna look dope when finish and I'm looking foward to it.
btw - Love the new sig as well.
btw - Love the new sig as well.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 2
From: Seattle
1990 300ce
alright, so you guys are saying that there IS in fact something wrong with my car, whether it's bushings, alignment, or something else. In other words, the wider tires have nothing to do with it?
I'm sure there's plenty of truth to what you guys are saying. But isn't it weird that I didn't have these problems until I lowered my car and put wider tires on it? I guess that could indicate that it's simply an alignment issue. But on a smooth road, i can let go of the steering wheel and the car will go perfectly straight. I don't have problems unless I'm on a road with ruts.
Oh, and myfirstbenz. regarding rubbing issues and rear camber. My car has some very slight rubbing in the front when I turn the wheel close to all the way. I rarely need to do that, so it's not an issue. There are no rubbing issues in the rear. But that leads me to the rear camber- I have a fair amount of room left between the fender lip and my tire. And I know my camber is bad. So I was thinking about getting one of those camber kits. I think I have plenty of room to fix my camber problems. There are three brands that I've heard about:
1. K-mac bushing kit (is this kit adjustable? or is it simply bushings?)
2. Speedybenz adjustable camber kit (a guy who frequents club202.com and is an engineer who makes these- apparently he's extremely difficult to get ahold of, but the quality is fantastic)
3. Benzboy adjustable camber kit (same idea as speedybenz, although I've heard of some people having problems keeping these things put- apparently they can have a mind of their own).
Anybody have other sources? I will probably get this done when I get new tires sometime in the near future, along with a full alignment.
I'm sure there's plenty of truth to what you guys are saying. But isn't it weird that I didn't have these problems until I lowered my car and put wider tires on it? I guess that could indicate that it's simply an alignment issue. But on a smooth road, i can let go of the steering wheel and the car will go perfectly straight. I don't have problems unless I'm on a road with ruts.
Oh, and myfirstbenz. regarding rubbing issues and rear camber. My car has some very slight rubbing in the front when I turn the wheel close to all the way. I rarely need to do that, so it's not an issue. There are no rubbing issues in the rear. But that leads me to the rear camber- I have a fair amount of room left between the fender lip and my tire. And I know my camber is bad. So I was thinking about getting one of those camber kits. I think I have plenty of room to fix my camber problems. There are three brands that I've heard about:
1. K-mac bushing kit (is this kit adjustable? or is it simply bushings?)
2. Speedybenz adjustable camber kit (a guy who frequents club202.com and is an engineer who makes these- apparently he's extremely difficult to get ahold of, but the quality is fantastic)
3. Benzboy adjustable camber kit (same idea as speedybenz, although I've heard of some people having problems keeping these things put- apparently they can have a mind of their own).
Anybody have other sources? I will probably get this done when I get new tires sometime in the near future, along with a full alignment.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 0
From: San Diego Californ-i-a
89 300TE, and 68 280sel
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 0
From: San Diego Californ-i-a
89 300TE, and 68 280sel
alright, so you guys are saying that there IS in fact something wrong with my car, whether it's bushings, alignment, or something else. In other words, the wider tires have nothing to do with it?
I'm sure there's plenty of truth to what you guys are saying. But isn't it weird that I didn't have these problems until I lowered my car and put wider tires on it? I guess that could indicate that it's simply an alignment issue. But on a smooth road, i can let go of the steering wheel and the car will go perfectly straight. I don't have problems unless I'm on a road with ruts.
Oh, and myfirstbenz. regarding rubbing issues and rear camber. My car has some very slight rubbing in the front when I turn the wheel close to all the way. I rarely need to do that, so it's not an issue. There are no rubbing issues in the rear. But that leads me to the rear camber- I have a fair amount of room left between the fender lip and my tire. And I know my camber is bad. So I was thinking about getting one of those camber kits. I think I have plenty of room to fix my camber problems. There are three brands that I've heard about:
1. K-mac bushing kit (is this kit adjustable? or is it simply bushings?)
2. Speedybenz adjustable camber kit (a guy who frequents club202.com and is an engineer who makes these- apparently he's extremely difficult to get ahold of, but the quality is fantastic)
3. Benzboy adjustable camber kit (same idea as speedybenz, although I've heard of some people having problems keeping these things put- apparently they can have a mind of their own).
Anybody have other sources? I will probably get this done when I get new tires sometime in the near future, along with a full alignment.
I'm sure there's plenty of truth to what you guys are saying. But isn't it weird that I didn't have these problems until I lowered my car and put wider tires on it? I guess that could indicate that it's simply an alignment issue. But on a smooth road, i can let go of the steering wheel and the car will go perfectly straight. I don't have problems unless I'm on a road with ruts.
Oh, and myfirstbenz. regarding rubbing issues and rear camber. My car has some very slight rubbing in the front when I turn the wheel close to all the way. I rarely need to do that, so it's not an issue. There are no rubbing issues in the rear. But that leads me to the rear camber- I have a fair amount of room left between the fender lip and my tire. And I know my camber is bad. So I was thinking about getting one of those camber kits. I think I have plenty of room to fix my camber problems. There are three brands that I've heard about:
1. K-mac bushing kit (is this kit adjustable? or is it simply bushings?)
2. Speedybenz adjustable camber kit (a guy who frequents club202.com and is an engineer who makes these- apparently he's extremely difficult to get ahold of, but the quality is fantastic)
3. Benzboy adjustable camber kit (same idea as speedybenz, although I've heard of some people having problems keeping these things put- apparently they can have a mind of their own).
Anybody have other sources? I will probably get this done when I get new tires sometime in the near future, along with a full alignment.
I have heard of k-kmac and speedybenz, and I would give them a try. I just think that it wouldn't hurt, when you have some money freed-up to address these issues, I will on my car because I hate to wear out tires rather than fix the problem at hand. Have you taken it to an alignment shop or just a regular general shop. I hate to say it, but even a place like les schwab (I am not a fan) has a good alignment shop and they can tell you(like they did for my brother for free) with a computer print out what condition your suspension is in and what parts need to be replaced. Their prices were very very fair. For my brother(Benzbro) he got a quote for under 300 for all new tierods and a full allignment. I priced it out and even with my wholesale price connection, it is almost not worth it for the hassle for me to do the work and then drive over to have them do the final allingment.
