sgi4side

300 miles ago I replaced 2 front tires on my 04 e500 because the left tire was cupping inside. It happen again after installing the new tires and alignment. I was wondering if anyone else have any idea what the cause would be.

Thanks

2001CLK

What is your setup?

csumt76

Yea, what tires do you have on there?

georgedaman

Did you get the alignment on the standard suspention position?

MBE50003

editttt nvm...

cupping is usually a sign of shocks wearing, but you have airmatic im assuming?

starbrite

Here's what I know about cupping :

Chandler: He said he was going to do my inseam, and he ran his hand up my leg, and then, there was definite--

Ross: what?

Chandler: Cupping.

Joey: That's how they do pants. First they go up one side, they move it over, they go up the other side, they move it back, and then they do the rear. What? Ross, Ross, would you tell him? Isn't that how they measure pants?

Ross: Yes, yes it is. In prison!

sunkist

Where did you get your alignment done?

When I took my car into the dealer about 2 weeks ago they told me I need new hydraulic bushings because mine completely wore out. They are there to keep the toe in line, but when the bushing wears out they can cause the wheels to move off spec.

I had a cupping issue as well but they replaced those bushings and realigned my car under warranty.

whoover

Cupping is usually a sign of bad damping, not alignment by itself. Have a good shop check the front-end. Don't trust a tire place.

Flash Gordon

I agree. Alignment does not correct your cupping issue. Your front suspension parts should be checked.

vettdvr

I have been through this with 2 full sets of tires (not counting the factory Conti's) in 70,000 miles. Michelin Pilot sport's solved my cupping. I have been told,, by the tire mfg,, alignment, the alignment shop,, tires until I don't want to hear about my wore out parts.

The car was set to the correct spec, tire pressure 32 psi F/R and Michelin's installed and I have no more cupping. My guess is that many of the tires are made in Japan in the same factory with a different name / tread in the mold but the belts are the same. The Michelin's or Conti's not made in Japan but either US or Germany and these tires run will. I went to the show room and bought the exact tire that is on the new MB's. Finally got my car's quiet ride and wear back to the way it should be.


I know many others will want you to buy front end parts and others will tell you alignment. But you must consider if a tire was a spiral wrap belt as in Michelin or the wrap and join method used in other brands of tires.

You never mentioned what brand of tires, my guess is they aren't Michelin's.

Best of luck and this was my $.02 worth after buying over $5000 in tires and alignment. I am just stating what worked on my 03 E500 and my study of tire building.