Binding/bumping when turning
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 101
Likes: 21
From: Winter Park, Florida
2020 GLC 300 4Matic
Binding/bumping when turning
Hi guys,
hard to describe what is happening in words but normally when you turn full lock and going slowly the car will start to slip on the front wheels. It feels like the tires are hopping or something is binding and has always happened over loose surfaces. Lately though it has started happening on half turning lock on regular surfaces and can’t figure it out. It seems random when it happens and haven’t been able to isolate exactly the scenarios it happens.
I hope I did a decent job at explaining, but wanted to get a few ideas before heading to the dealer to hear that it’s normal haha.
hard to describe what is happening in words but normally when you turn full lock and going slowly the car will start to slip on the front wheels. It feels like the tires are hopping or something is binding and has always happened over loose surfaces. Lately though it has started happening on half turning lock on regular surfaces and can’t figure it out. It seems random when it happens and haven’t been able to isolate exactly the scenarios it happens.
I hope I did a decent job at explaining, but wanted to get a few ideas before heading to the dealer to hear that it’s normal haha.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,691
Likes: 4,584
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
It's called crabbing. Or scrubbing. The root cause is a poor design decision by MB in the Ackermann steering geometry. It's not fixable. It is a function of the steering knuckle geometry, wheel hub, wheel and tire.
The only user option is to search for a tire + wheel combination that gives the least objectionable amount of crabbing or scrubbing.
This is extensively documented on this site.
The only user option is to search for a tire + wheel combination that gives the least objectionable amount of crabbing or scrubbing.
This is extensively documented on this site.
Last edited by chassis; Jul 2, 2022 at 03:52 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 101
Likes: 21
From: Winter Park, Florida
2020 GLC 300 4Matic
It's called crabbing. Or scubbing. The root cause is a poor design decision by MB in the Ackermann steering geometry. It's not fixable. It is a function of the steering knuckle geometry, wheel hub, wheel and tire.
The only user option is to search for a tire + wheel combination that gives the least objectionable amount of crabbing or scrubbing.
This is extensively documented on this site.
The only user option is to search for a tire + wheel combination that gives the least objectionable amount of crabbing or scrubbing.
This is extensively documented on this site.
It’s expected to happen even at not full steering lock, but just normal turning and parking lot speed?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,691
Likes: 4,584
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 101
Likes: 21
From: Winter Park, Florida
2020 GLC 300 4Matic
I expected this condition to occur when on full steering lock, but it’s the condition as you described with the scrubbing sensation. I just filled up with gas and was turning left with 1/4 to 1/4 steering lock and it was scrubbing at 5mph. It was like driving over loose gravel in feel and sound.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
GLC 43 AMG
All season tires reduve crabbing conciderably!
I replaced the Conti Summer with Mich Pilot All season of the same size on the 21 inch wheels and crabbing is really no longer noticable. Performance for conering has certainly taken a hit but the reduced crabbing, reduced road noise over small cracks and bumps makes the change very worth while.
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 7
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GLC 63s AMG
@Calgary Rob the crabbing has not stopped with the Michelin Pilot All Season? I read replacing with this tyre stops the crabbing?
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
GLC 43 AMG
All season tires reduve crabbing conciderably!
Hi There,
So the crabbing is significantly reduced, about 90% gone with the All season tires. Still a small amount when turning very tighly, for example in a tight parking lot.
Hope this helps, overall very pleased with the switch for summer driving.
Winter now in Canada so swapped to 19 inch winter tires and wheels for the next 6 or 7 months. Pirrelli winter ice as part of the wheel and tire package from the local Mercedes dealership.
So the crabbing is significantly reduced, about 90% gone with the All season tires. Still a small amount when turning very tighly, for example in a tight parking lot.
Hope this helps, overall very pleased with the switch for summer driving.
Winter now in Canada so swapped to 19 inch winter tires and wheels for the next 6 or 7 months. Pirrelli winter ice as part of the wheel and tire package from the local Mercedes dealership.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
GLC 63s AMG
@Calgary Rob does the temperature affect the crabbing? Im confused on wether to go for the Michelin PS A/S or the Pirelli Scorpion Verde. Apparently people have said with the Pirelli the crabbing has stopped unless they are exaggerating and its reduced like you have said. I would prefer to have the Michelin but as the Mrs drives here and there I would rather have a tyre that offers the least or no crabbing.....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,016
Likes: 2,198
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
The skinnier the tire, and the one with the least traction, will exhibit Crabbing the least.
That will usually give the best fuel economy, too. And maybe snow traction.
Unfortunately, the Fun Factor is reduced accordingly. And maybe safety.
So, without changing wheels, the best solution might be to look for a tire with a high mileage guarantee.
That will usually give the best fuel economy, too. And maybe snow traction.
Unfortunately, the Fun Factor is reduced accordingly. And maybe safety.
So, without changing wheels, the best solution might be to look for a tire with a high mileage guarantee.
