GLE Class (V167) Produced 2020 to present

Crabbing

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Old 12-12-2019, 09:34 AM
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GLE 450
Crabbing

I know this has been talked about a lot with the GLC, but I have noticed that I do get some crabbing on my 450, mainly with the wheels on full or near full lock and with cold tyres. Anyone else have this?
Old 12-12-2019, 11:51 AM
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GLC 450
My GLC 43 suffered badly from the crabbing, absolutely no problem on GLE, believe me it was awful on GLC.
Old 12-12-2019, 09:21 PM
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Mainly the result of Ackerman geometry (error). Accentuated by tire and wheel selection, weather and drivetrain components (differentials and clutches).

I get some crabbing on a W166 GLE350 but not nearly as much as what seems to be reported on the GLC.

BMW X3 latest version also has it.
Old 12-13-2019, 10:30 AM
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Originally Posted by chassis
Mainly the result of Ackerman geometry (error). Accentuated by tire and wheel selection, weather and drivetrain components (differentials and clutches).

I get some crabbing on a W166 GLE350 but not nearly as much as what seems to be reported on the GLC.

BMW X3 latest version also has it.
It is horrendous on right hand drive GLC'S, MB admitted it was due to the steering geometry and on all versions except 43 and 63 are changing the steering knuckles free of charge.
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chassis (12-14-2019)
Old 12-13-2019, 04:13 PM
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2020 GLE450 4Matic AMG-Line
What is meant by crabbing?
Old 12-13-2019, 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by tiri
What is meant by crabbing?
On full lock at low speeds it feels as though the front of the car is moving sideways, can be heard as a clunk and felt through steering wheel. Worse in cold wet weather.
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tiri (12-16-2019)
Old 12-14-2019, 06:04 AM
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This happens on my 911 as well. Solution: don't go to full steering lock until the tires are warm.
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Old 12-14-2019, 08:16 AM
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Ackerman geometry error is the phenomenon where all four tires neither rotate at the same rotational velocity, nor translate with respect to the same (virtual) point. Google Ackerman geometry.

Rotation means the wheel and tire moving about the wheel bearing, or "spindle". Translation means moving in three dimensional space relative to a fixed reference frame on the ground.

Each wheel translates about a virtual point, as a vehicle turns at low speed with full steering lock. This is influenced by vehicle tread width and wheelbase. This creates a condition where tire contact patch stress evens itself out when the highest stress contact patch slips, or "crabs". When the high stress contact patch slips, the vehicle can lurch a small amount, a rubbing sound can be heard, and a vibration might be felt in the steering or floor. All of this is taking place at the tire-ground interface.

Each wheel rotates at its own rotational speed. This introduces driveline torque buildup, to a greater or lesser extent, depending on drivetrain design details such as clutches and couplings in the three differentials in the case of 4MATIC. One differential in the case of RWD.

Each front wheel has its own steer, or "cut", angle, and is a design choice by the manufacturer. The angular difference between the two wheels, when turning, is a compromise between high speed and low speed steering performance, cost, and the basic reality of available space in an area densely populated with components.

All of this is at the "worst" possible condition at full steering lock. In practical terms, full steering lock is only achievable at very low vehicle speed. So the phenomenon is perceived by humans during parking maneuvers, generally.

Last edited by chassis; 12-14-2019 at 08:26 AM.
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Old 12-14-2019, 08:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Electric Lizard
This happens on my 911 as well. Solution: don't go to full steering lock until the tires are warm.
On the GLC it happens even when tyres are hot.

We all know about ackerman effect BUT on GLC it is because of wrong geometry on right hand drive cars as admitted by MB, hence they change the steering knuckles free of charge at a cost of over £1000.

Until you have driven a GLC 43 or 63 RHD car you don't know how bad it is, check the GLC forum.

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