The inner portion of my front tires are cupping and becoming very noisy. The cupping has become obvious. Can anyone shed some light as to what it can be?

 

What is "cupping"?

 

I had a girlfriend once that always wanted to cup. It WAS noisy, but as long as I didn't have to wear the cheerleader uniform. . . .ehhhh. . . .

 

The most common cause of cupping is underinflation. However it could be aggrevated by an alignment problem. Suggest you check your tire pressures (cold) and have your complete alignment checked by a GOOD shop or dealer. Only after any corrections are made replace your tires. The cupping you have will not go away.

 

Alignment was good....tire pressure was ok.
End up replacing all the shocks...I think it was the culprit.
So far the new tires are wearing normal...but it is fairly recent....I need to put on more mileage before I confirm 100% that it was bad shocks that caused it.

What mileage do you have on the car now?

 

I have heard mixed opinions as to what it might be. Everything from the struts needing to be replaced to bad alignment, to suspension/steering parts that may need to be replaced. As far as the tire inflation is concerned I am following what is labeled on the inside of my gas filler door. I guess I'll try getting an alignment first. Anyone know of a good place to get an alignment done in San Diego for a W210?

 

Before you start throwing money at it why don't you take it for an inspection. A reputable shop will inspect your suspension for a minimal fee. Here in MO at state inspection runs $12.

 

Ahhh, you mean "scalloping". Never heard of it being referred to as "cupping" before.

 

An alignment won't do you any good if parts are worn out.
The tires are failing to remain in constant contact to the road,a slight bounce is causing the cupping.Feel the vibration in the steering wheel?hear the rumble?
diy for shocks is on benzworld.org w210 section
oe shocks at
www.autohausaz.com
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ock%20Absorber
keep it oe if you like that ride or go hd if you want to firm it up a bit.
how many miles on the car?
While doing the shocks,check all the other suspension parts.
ohlord
The dealer has the best alignment machine,but if you go there before you fix the shocks and replace any other worn parts i.e. ball joints,down link bushings etc. they will tell you sorry we can't align this beautiful car until you sign your ***** over to us and we replace all these(you name the parts)
diy the shocks.if your rear tires are good and the same size,move them to the front,get it aligned and then buy new tires at costco.

ohlord

 

Thanks for clarifying the OE versus HD shocks!!!!!

 

HD shocks are shorter, aren't they?

 

The SPORT are slightly shorter.

 

at my front end suspension on a lift and pointed out to me what the culprit was. Worn lower control arm bushings us causing my tire "cupping" or "scalloping" issue. Anyone know if the w210 AMG lower control arm bushings differ from the the standard e430? Also will the AMG bushings fit my vehicle? Thanks again to all.

 

in oem bushings.AMG bushings if they did fit are not going to change the ride.
they are the same part.
you still need new shocks
ohlord

 

I'm gonna take a shot,, You are not running Michelin are you?

 

I had Michelin and BF Goodrich....same cupping problem on the outer edges.

 

bushings and ball joints they are all worn.
ohlord
over 120k miles

 

I am running Michelin and I only have 87,000 miles. They also checked my ball joints as well as my tie rod ends and all were good with 0 play. They said the I do need lower control arm bushings and my shocks are marginal and they suggest to replace it at the same time. Thanks to all.

 

bushings and shocks are DIY items if you want to try.
Are they doing both front and rear shocks.
DIY about 4bills for the parts.
A shop does it,call around sky could be the limit.
ohlord

 

Do you know of any DIY documentation on the internet for the bushings? I would like to replace them myself. Thanks Oh Lord.

 

Does anyone know if any supplier here in Southern California that I would be able to rent a Mercedes spring compressor from? I was thinking about just purchasing but I will only be using it once. Thanks.

 

I had camber kits installed at a shop in Solana Beach just across from the train station, they were comfortable with the lowered car and did a great job. I only had a car tire cup once, weights came off the rim and the tire was bouncing due to lack of balancing. Hope that helps.