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I have a 2018 GLC63S RHD in Melbourne Australia. The crabbing issue is very bad at below 17-18 degrees C at anywhere from half to full lock turns at slow speed in reverse and also going forward with problematic forward turns including turning down side streets and going around roundabouts.
The noise is horrendous and embarrassing driving around the neighbourhood in what should be a prestige car. I've driven the car fairly carefully and after 18,000kms the front tires are worn out and need replacing - and back tires are fine.
I was thinking of replacing the front tires with all seasons and leaving summer tires on the back. Anyone had any experience with that?
I have notified MB and they have said they cannot fix the problem. The last joker I spoke to said that all season tires (or any tire) will not fix the problem in his experience.
I have reported the matter to the ACCC and Consumer Affairs Victoria and intend to take it further to VCAT. Does anyone have any knowledge of similar cases which have gone to consumer tribunals? Eg I understand there is at least one case decided on by the UK ombudsman.
Consumer Affairs Victoria has said they will issue a public warning notice if I provided an independent report on the issue. Does anyone have an independent report that shows the issue is a manufacturing design defect that applies across the GLC43/ GLC 63 RHD range?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Hello there
I had the same issue on my 43 with summer tires . Just like you tire worn out around 10000 km and even at 15 degres C . I changed the front tires for Pirelli Scorpio all season and solved the problem . I now have 7000 km on it and no issue and smoother ride .I still have the original tires on the back .
I had this issue with my GLC43 with my original Continental Contisport Contact 5's (21") when they became worn almost down to the wear bars. The 21" size is challenging to replace but I ended up replacing the Contis with Pirelli PZero PZ4's (my first choice was Michelin Pilot Sport 4S but they were not available until later this year). Absolutely no crabbing from the tires now. The alignment was corrected as well which apparently contributed to the tires wearing out. The Pirellis are summer only tires and I agree with ParadigmDawg that this is normal behaviour for AMG. Summer tire rubber compounds do not work well at lower temperatures and can contribute to the crabbing issue. I use winter tires when temperatures drop and have no issue with crabbing in cold temperatures.
Do point out the fact / reality that when you are reassuringly told “will carry out a Full Front and Rear Wheel Alignment” ... all that can be altered is only Front and Rear Toe (directional) adjustment:
Then on completion and complaining being told (because of broad alignment parameters ) ... “is now within factory specs”. Owners frustratingly then going from one dealer or alignment shop to the next - or continually changing tire brands.
Situation has come about through cost cutting and the ever increasing speed of auto assembly lines.
There is no longer Camber, Caster to adjust tire contact angles. Spread load more evenly.
KMAC has specialized in resolving such OEM suspension short comings since 1964 !
Front and Rear kits providing “ongoing” adjustment to cater for other then showroom height conditions.
High cambered roads, altered height through load carrying or lowering, fitting wide profile tires, curb knock damage.
All GLC models:
The KMAC Patented design front Camber adjuster kit allows precise “single wrench” adjustment to resolve costly, premature edge wear. Nothing comes close when it comes to strength, range of adjustment and ease / accuracy of adjustment.
P/N #503416-1 $295 (Both sides)
Less then the cost of one high performance tire.
Also replacing at the same time the 2 front highest wearing bushings.
Complete with bush extraction tool allowing to be fitted without need for arm removal. Unique design allows adjustments to be made accurately (under load) direct on alignment rack.
REAR KITS (CAMBER & EXTRA TOE TO COMPENSATE) P/N #502226 $480 (Both sides) P/N #502326-1 $545 AMG models (Both sides)
Similar in design to front kit. Also includes bush extraction tool.
Another popular kit: #502628 $480 (both sides).
Replaces the 6 multi link rear arm bushings. Less twitch, flex, loss of traction. Especially AMG models when applying power to lane change / overtake.
ALTERNATIVE FRONT KITS: P/N #503416 $480 (both sides)
Same Camber kit as above P/N #503416-1, but also includes Caster adjustable thrust arm bushes (2). Similar design single wrench adjustable. These bushes allow adjustment to resolve steering pull, compensate for Camber change and being Mono ball / 2 Axis significantly improve brake and steering response.
FRONT UPPER ARM ADJUSTER KITS Note: When wanting to adjust to resolve premature inner edge wear “lower arm” adjusters retain top of tire to outer fender clearance while top arm adjusters reduce this clearance.
1. P/N #503316-2 $395 (Both Sides)
Upper arm inner bushings. Camber and Caster adjustable. Complete with bush extraction tool. Fit without arm removal unlike welded fabricated upper arms this kit allows the security of still retaining the OEM high strength forged alloy arms.
2. P/N #503316-3 $795 (Both Sides)
Complete replacement arms, Camber and Caster adjustable. Not welded, fabricated, but again the security high strength forged alloy same as OEM.
Delivery $40 one kit ($20 each extra) Paypal, Visa M/Card.
Longest established / most experienced manufacturer (Worlds largest range) front and rear adjuster kits - Audi to Volvo.
Maybe the defect is normalised but it's definitely not normal - I hear it's particular bad for RHD - yours is LHD? I also hear the crabbing problem applies to other types of cars like the Macan - I used to have a 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo which didn't have the issue. On my car the problem occurs from 18 degrees C (65 degrees F) and colder until the tires are warmed up - it doesn't help driving faster around corners (just makes it unsafe).
If anyone can assist with my original questions it would be much appreciated.
The crabbing problem on my car is horrendous and I definitely wouldn't have purchased the car if I had known about it.
That is just normal behavior on an all-wheel drive AMG. Using the proper tire, for the weather prevents most of it. I have no issues, on Summers down to about 45f, colder than that, it is the wrong tire.
Maybe the defect is normalised but it's definitely not normal - I hear it's particular bad for RHD - yours is LHD? I also hear the crabbing problem applies to other types of cars like the Macan - I used to have a 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo which didn't have the issue. On my car the problem occurs from 18 degrees C (65 degrees F) and colder until the tires are warmed up - it doesn't help driving faster around corners (just makes it unsafe).
If anyone can assist with my original questions it would be much appreciated.
The crabbing problem on my car is horrendous and I definitely wouldn't have purchased the car if I had known about it.
Because it's nothing to worry about, but people always love to complain.
EVERY car would do it on the tile floors in the shop, just from the difference in turning circle at full lock and tires slipping on the surface. It's just a noise, and it goes away when you aren't at full lock. I can't believe this is still something people complain about.
It's not just a noise - the car significantly understeers while the tires are skipping - It sounds like LHD have it much better than RHD and don't have the same issue
Maybe the defect is normalised but it's definitely not normal - I hear it's particular bad for RHD - yours is LHD? I also hear the crabbing problem applies to other types of cars like the Macan - I used to have a 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo which didn't have the issue. On my car the problem occurs from 18 degrees C (65 degrees F) and colder until the tires are warmed up - it doesn't help driving faster around corners (just makes it unsafe).
If anyone can assist with my original questions it would be much appreciated.
The crabbing problem on my car is horrendous and I definitely wouldn't have purchased the car if I had known about it.
Cheers
LHD and like I stated, I have no issues when using the correct tire.
I have had 6 modded SUVs from AMG, Audi, BMW, Porsche and have seen this same "issue" with all of them to some degree. Just use the correct tire.
Reading this thread, are people experiencing this issue at anything other than parking lot speeds? I agree, proper tire/proper conditions seems to alleviate it on my end.
~ I have added all season tires and the issue is completely gone. No longer... a concern thankfully.
Mine is a 2018 with the optional 21” wheels.
What type of tire did you get please!!!🙏🏻 Help me with this!!!!! I didn’t knew anything about the issue!! And I’m reading and you seem like to be the first to end the issue buying a new set of tires!!! Help us please 🙏🏻
What type of tire did you get please!!!🙏🏻 Help me with this!!!!! I didn’t knew anything about the issue!! And I’m reading and you seem like to be the first to end the issue buying a new set of tires!!! Help us please 🙏🏻
~ Yes these are the Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Tires. Fronts 265/40/21 and Rears are 295/35/21.
Truly an amazing tire and no crapping at all.
Last edited by andrew e coupe; Nov 23, 2024 at 10:01 PM.
~ I have added all season tires and the issue is completely gone. No longer... a concern thankfully.
Mine is a 2018 with the optional 21” wheels.
Originally Posted by andrew e coupe
~ Yes these are the Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Tires. Fronts 265/40/21 and Rears are 295/35/21.
Truly an amazing tire and no crapping at all.
Thank you 🙏🏻!!! I just got the 43 is a 2021 I almost bought the new 2024 but the power unit being a I4 engine was complete let down so I went for the V6!!! But I had no idea the this was going to happen to a Mercedes Benz and a AMG!!! I thought the car was a POS!!! This makes me feel better cause I love the car I had a 2018 GLC300 AMG package but I wanted and I need it an upgrade!!! And again….. thank you 🙏🏻 blessings I’ll be getting a set of Pirelli’s to make my and ours GLC 43’s perfect!! 👍🏻
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