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Mixing tires on a 4matic... a continuation of the Tire Cupping thread
So the rear tires are shot on the inside edge - there's cord showing. Front tires still have plenty of thread - at least 5/32" all around. If I put fresh rubber on one end with a similar-when-new circumference (11/32" tread depth), will I be tweaking the transfer case due to different distances traveled per rotation of the front/rear tires? At what percentage difference does the car get mad (or broken) about that? Never a big deal on two wheel drive, but potentially transfer case grenading on 4matic... I'd rather avoid that just as I'd rather buy two tires than all four.
So the rear tires are shot on the inside edge - there's cord showing. Front tires still have plenty of thread - at least 5/32" all around. If I put fresh rubber on one end with a similar-when-new circumference (11/32" tread depth), will I be tweaking the transfer case due to different distances traveled per rotation of the front/rear tires? At what percentage difference does the car get mad (or broken) about that? Never a big deal on two wheel drive, but potentially transfer case grenading on 4matic... I'd rather avoid that just as I'd rather buy two tires than all four.
Hi Rapidox:
This is a genuine concern to address now so you don't ever have to wonder what blew up your front shaft and everything around it.
A wheel inflated to 30psi spins faster than a wheel with 40psi as it is closer to the ground.
The wheel circumference is really non-trivial to figure because of weight distribution, temperature, pressure, speed, wear...
Can you read Live Data for wheel sensors RPM?
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Oct 27, 2021 at 05:13 PM.
The technically correct answer is you don't want to mix tire tread depth on AWD vehicles.
But practically speaking, the difference is usually not enough to cause any real harm. In your example, the tire circumference difference is less than staggered tire setup on some AWD vehicles so I wouldn't worry too much.
Just replace the front a bit early and you will be fine.
Broken drive shafts are a longer term and very real concern, but the short term issue and my immediate concern is whether the wheel speed sensors will become upset about the obvious differences in rotation speeds front/back. Certainly the extra torque issues on the drive shafts and transfer cases would come into play over time.
Might have to put a couple fresh skins on the back and hook up the computer and go for a ride to see what happens.
I read your references to the psi and rotation al speed differences and want to throw this in the mix. For the wagon 4matic, recommended tire pressures are 36 front 48 rear. Same size tires all around.
I read your references to the psi and rotation al speed differences and want to throw this in the mix. For the wagon 4matic, recommended tire pressures are 36 front 48 rear. Same size tires all around.
I think those pressures are for a fully loaded wagon, I believe there are two tire pressure placards, one on the gas filler door and another in the drivers door jamb. That said, as long as you keep the tire diameters within 2% or so, you should be fine, some 4matics come with a staggered setup.
I think those pressures are for a fully loaded wagon, I believe there are two tire pressure placards, one on the gas filler door and another in the drivers door jamb. That said, as long as you keep the tire diameters within 2% or so, you should be fine, some 4matics come with a staggered setup.
I don’t think E-class 4-Magic comes with staggered setup from factory.
The AMG models have different transfer case/center differential that allows speed difference between axles. This is what I understand based on reading in these forums.
I don’t think E-class 4-Magic comes with staggered setup from factory.
The AMG models have different transfer case/center differential that allows speed difference between axles. This is what I understand based on reading in these forums.
Someone correct me if I’m wrong.
Ahh. Ok, but people do run staggered setups on 4 matics
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
the W212 staggered setup is staggered widths, but very close to same diameters.
there are indeed two pressures on hte gas cap label on ours, one for light with 1-2 passengers, and the other for a max load. the front pressure stays the same, while the back goes from 42 to 48 or something? I'll have to look....
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