John CC

First post here. I have always done my own wrenching, but I'm too much of a dinosaur and too old to deal with this '17 GLS450, besides, it's still under warranty. Anyhow, we bought it off a lease with 44K miles on it and a brand new set of Michelin Premier LTX tires. I was never really happy with the way it handles bumps to one rear tire; it always does a little side shuffle, depending on which tire hits the bump. I asked the dealer to check it, specifically to check the rear alignment. Car fax says they checked the alignment and rotated the tires at 50K miles. They reported to me no problems found. Recently, at 55K, I had it inspected and found the right rear tire worn to minimum (2/32"), and the other three at 5/32". Tread wear is fairly even across the whole tire(s) although the outside edges are slightly feathered. New tread is 8.5/32".

So, two questions. First, how do I approach the dealer to try to get some sort of adjustment on my 11K mile tire life, and what are the chances of success, and second, does any one have access to the alignment specs for this car? The independent mechanic I frequent has an older alignment machine and it does not have the specs for this model.

mikapen

Do you have noises from the rear suspension? It's possible that there are some worn bushings or link bushings that are causing your issue.
In addition to applying force to the wheel during alignment, maybe tell them that there is noise - rattling or clinking sounds.

pjw1967

You can go on Michelin's site and ask them for the nearest tire shop that can handle a mileage warranty claim. Here is my story from 2/17 this year. Good luck.
"I bought 4 Michelin Premier LTX tires from my MB dealer on July 6 2018 for my 2014 GL450. Mileage was 56.211. Rotated when service was due. Went to dealer last week for state inspection. They would not pass it since the the rear tread was down to 2/32. Mileage was 77,500, so 21,300 miles on the tires. Fronts were about 4/32. Came home and checked Michelin site. Tires were supposed to have 60k treadwear warranty. Emailed the service adviser who came back with a less than satisfactory response. Went back on the Michelin site and sent them a msg about the treadwear. Next day I got back a msg that was certainly written by at least 2 lawyers. BUT they gave me a case nbr and said to visit the nearest Michelin dealer. The nearest dealer was a small shop around the corner. I looked some more and found that Discount Tire was an authorized dealer. I went to them as I had purchased tires there for my GTO a couple of years ago. Due Covid they had a tent set up outside with staff. I pulled up, told them the problem, and was invited to park. A young man came out, said hello, checked the tire depth front and rear, and motioned me inside. He went behind the counter and I showed him the case nbr. He said he didn't need it as Discount Tire was an authorized settlement agent for treadwear warranty claims. He typed some stuff into his terminal and said he could offer me $133.00 credit each for all 4 tires. I said "done" and bought 4 Michelin Cross Climate tires with a 50k treadwear warranty. Needless to say I was pleased. Moral of the story? Be polite, be firm, and most of all, never give up."

John CC

No noises. I asked them to check everything at the last (first) service. Car Fax says they rotated the tires and aligned it. The other day when I asked if they would align it again on the service contract they said "no, not covered." So, did they cover it once or not do it at all?

Thanks!

arsupisemnet

Rear right wheel is the one which normally has most torque because of construction of differentials. Uneven wear means some one flooring gas pedal from time to time (or used to). Computer usually block spinning within a fraction of time so you don't notice it, however it reflects on tire thread.
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John CC

That's what makes me question if they were rotated at all. 3 tires all the same, one worn to minimums, on the Rt. Rear. I swapped the two rears and we'll see what happens...

John CC

I can probably count the number of times that has happened on one hand and have most of my fingers left over...

No one has the alignment specs? Is it a trade secret or something? I can't believe they're not published somewhere!

captivabenz

As a normal comparison, I have exact replacement tires and just had my 4th rotation at Costco at 76,500 miles. Installed new at 46,000 mi.
tread depth is 5/32 all around.
Great, quiet tires; very satisfied with them.

arsupisemnet

John CC

What tires is that? I'm assuming the Michelin Premier LTXs I have are OEM, but the car has only 55K miles, and I don't think I'm on the first set... As far as I can tell, this set has about 12K miles and the best ones are at 5/32".

John CC

Thanks! Not sure I understand it, but I'm sure between me and the alignment guys we'll figure it out.

Not to be a PITA, but, do you have the same thing for the front?

captivabenz

Yes, Premier LTX.
The oem’s I believe we’re Continentals and made 46,000 miles (down to 1/32-2/32)

John CC

I'm sure I could look it up somewhere, but, can anyone off the top of their head tell me what these options are:
Code 489
Code 491
Code Z04/Z05

A brief internet search wasn't too productive. All I know for sure is I have air suspension. Is there a build list hidden somewhere in the car?

TIA,
John

mikeolive

Don't know about the other codes but my build sheet describes Code 489 as "AIRMATIC DUAL CONTROL / AIR SUSPENSION SEMI-ACTIVE"

John CC

I found the site in Kiev that can supply the build sheet info. That's what I have: 489. Thanks. Now, If I can just get the front end specs before that tire goes completely bald, I'll be home free.

dc1225

I don't know what it is but the costco tires are just built different. I've never had any issues with Costco Michelin's. Could be nitrogen? could be free rotation? could be better quality? its something.