Rear Camber Bolts
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
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2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Rear Camber Bolts
Thought I would ask the GLE crowd since the car has been out longer than the current GLS. We have a 2020 GLS with the staggered 20' wheel setup. I'm curious if anyone here has installed camber bolts on the rear of their GLE to take the "lean" out of it the tire for a more direct contact / weight load patch to the ground?
On the GLS with the staggered wheels, the rear tires last 25k miles with normal usage. This is on the 450 model, Michelin all-season tires, nothing too fancy. That doesn't necessarily bother me. But I do notice how jiggly the car can get sometimes on the horizontal axis in the rear. For instance, drive over a lane strip that has a some moisture on it, and the car wants to slide over it from the rear, meaning the other side of the car is pushing it horizontal. Happens all the time. Car is perfectly aligned as well. So I figure it's the alignment setting itself, and knowing how MB (and German cars in general) seem to like that negative camber, I thought I might see if there were a fix to make it not do that so much. I understand why they do it that way, the stability factor at high speeds by design, autobahn thinking. But we're never going to drive a GLS like that in general, and don't need it. Would much prefer a straight and flat ride.
So, just curious if anyone on the GLE side of the family has corrected their rear alignment settings to take that aspect out of the ride characteristics, and if so, how?
Thanks!
On the GLS with the staggered wheels, the rear tires last 25k miles with normal usage. This is on the 450 model, Michelin all-season tires, nothing too fancy. That doesn't necessarily bother me. But I do notice how jiggly the car can get sometimes on the horizontal axis in the rear. For instance, drive over a lane strip that has a some moisture on it, and the car wants to slide over it from the rear, meaning the other side of the car is pushing it horizontal. Happens all the time. Car is perfectly aligned as well. So I figure it's the alignment setting itself, and knowing how MB (and German cars in general) seem to like that negative camber, I thought I might see if there were a fix to make it not do that so much. I understand why they do it that way, the stability factor at high speeds by design, autobahn thinking. But we're never going to drive a GLS like that in general, and don't need it. Would much prefer a straight and flat ride.
So, just curious if anyone on the GLE side of the family has corrected their rear alignment settings to take that aspect out of the ride characteristics, and if so, how?
Thanks!
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Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 24
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
2016 E350 Wagon w/AMG, 2018 GLC300 Selinite SUV w/AMG Night(sold) 2021 GLE450 AMG Night
Too much negative camber would not cause that symptom and you stated the alignment is correct. So no need for camber kits.
I would lower the rear tire pressure two pounds at a time while staying within the recommended pressures and see if the symptom changes.
I would lower the rear tire pressure two pounds at a time while staying within the recommended pressures and see if the symptom changes.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
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2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Thanks Conditionone, I'm curious, would the toe do it? I'm admittedly not 100% sure on the whole science (or lingo) about an alignment, total learning curve for me!
Would be nice if the tires rolled straight forward and the stability factor were on the width of the tire alone (which is massive at 315). No added force from the alignment factor.
Would be nice if the tires rolled straight forward and the stability factor were on the width of the tire alone (which is massive at 315). No added force from the alignment factor.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,678
Likes: 4,578
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Thought I would ask the GLE crowd since the car has been out longer than the current GLS. We have a 2020 GLS with the staggered 20' wheel setup. I'm curious if anyone here has installed camber bolts on the rear of their GLE to take the "lean" out of it the tire for a more direct contact / weight load patch to the ground?
On the GLS with the staggered wheels, the rear tires last 25k miles with normal usage. This is on the 450 model, Michelin all-season tires, nothing too fancy. That doesn't necessarily bother me. But I do notice how jiggly the car can get sometimes on the horizontal axis in the rear. For instance, drive over a lane strip that has a some moisture on it, and the car wants to slide over it from the rear, meaning the other side of the car is pushing it horizontal. Happens all the time. Car is perfectly aligned as well. So I figure it's the alignment setting itself, and knowing how MB (and German cars in general) seem to like that negative camber, I thought I might see if there were a fix to make it not do that so much. I understand why they do it that way, the stability factor at high speeds by design, autobahn thinking. But we're never going to drive a GLS like that in general, and don't need it. Would much prefer a straight and flat ride.
So, just curious if anyone on the GLE side of the family has corrected their rear alignment settings to take that aspect out of the ride characteristics, and if so, how?
Thanks!
On the GLS with the staggered wheels, the rear tires last 25k miles with normal usage. This is on the 450 model, Michelin all-season tires, nothing too fancy. That doesn't necessarily bother me. But I do notice how jiggly the car can get sometimes on the horizontal axis in the rear. For instance, drive over a lane strip that has a some moisture on it, and the car wants to slide over it from the rear, meaning the other side of the car is pushing it horizontal. Happens all the time. Car is perfectly aligned as well. So I figure it's the alignment setting itself, and knowing how MB (and German cars in general) seem to like that negative camber, I thought I might see if there were a fix to make it not do that so much. I understand why they do it that way, the stability factor at high speeds by design, autobahn thinking. But we're never going to drive a GLS like that in general, and don't need it. Would much prefer a straight and flat ride.
So, just curious if anyone on the GLE side of the family has corrected their rear alignment settings to take that aspect out of the ride characteristics, and if so, how?
Thanks!
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,011
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Excessive negative camber, as MB specifies, is the cause of the behavior you are experiencing and furthermore accelerates tire wear. Large amounts of negative camber increase grip on the rear axle which is needed for safety reasons during high speed lane changes on the autobahn with Trixie and kids in the vehicle. The resultant increased vehicle stability also helps keep American injury lawyers at bay. The outcome is faster tire wear and nervous rear axle behavior.
It's also what keeps the rear end from being "nervous."
I agree that more camber causes inside shoulder wear, but I'll take that trade-off when I want to change direction without scaring myself or passengers. I'd feel very unsafe if I had to tiptoe around, hoping the tail doesn't squirt out in a bend. Zero camber would be extremely unsafe. I'd be driving UNDER the posted corner caution speeds. Not 20 over.
What the OP is talking about is "tramlining," Wider, lower profile tires are more susceptible, and tire pressure is the most likely remedy, or a change in tire brands. Not camber adjustments.
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From: Orbiting the planet
This place is a joke.
Unlike many of MB's sedans the 167 has eccentric bolts in the rear that allow camber adjustment. Next time you have it aligned request that they remove as much negative camber as the specs allow. You might have enough adjustment to remove .5 degrees. Even if more is possible, most shops likely won't adjust it to below spec for liability reasons. I run a minimum of 1.25 degrees on all my MB's one of which has an aftermarket camber solution because it's lowered. Keep in mind that toe-in also compensates for the tendency of the tires to drag outward as the vehicle goes down the road. For example, slight toe-in becomes zero toe-in once the vehicle is at speed. There are some good alignment and general automotive mechanics videos on Youtube, my favorite are the old ones from the 1950's believe it or not. The concepts haven't changed much since then.
https://www.youtube.com/@USAutoIndustry/videos
https://www.youtube.com/@USAutoIndustry/videos
Last edited by E55Greasemonkey; Jan 16, 2023 at 09:45 PM.
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Posts: 38
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2020 GLE 450 4MATIC
I have a 2020 GLE 450, the rear tires are wearing faster on the inside.
I tried to align the rear but negative camber can't be reduced, even with the eccentric bolts.
Left -2.02
Right -2.35 (out of spec)
One technician said that the rear springs are worn and that's the reason for the rear tires to move further negative from the original specs.
Is he right? should I consider to replace the rear springs?
I tried to align the rear but negative camber can't be reduced, even with the eccentric bolts.
Left -2.02
Right -2.35 (out of spec)
One technician said that the rear springs are worn and that's the reason for the rear tires to move further negative from the original specs.
Is he right? should I consider to replace the rear springs?
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Joined: Jan 2023
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W167 2021 GLE63S, W223 2022 S580
Tire wear
Thought I would ask the GLE crowd since the car has been out longer than the current GLS. We have a 2020 GLS with the staggered 20' wheel setup. I'm curious if anyone here has installed camber bolts on the rear of their GLE to take the "lean" out of it the tire for a more direct contact / weight load patch to the ground?
On the GLS with the staggered wheels, the rear tires last 25k miles with normal usage. This is on the 450 model, Michelin all-season tires, nothing too fancy. That doesn't necessarily bother me. But I do notice how jiggly the car can get sometimes on the horizontal axis in the rear. For instance, drive over a lane strip that has a some moisture on it, and the car wants to slide over it from the rear, meaning the other side of the car is pushing it horizontal. Happens all the time. Car is perfectly aligned as well. So I figure it's the alignment setting itself, and knowing how MB (and German cars in general) seem to like that negative camber, I thought I might see if there were a fix to make it not do that so much. I understand why they do it that way, the stability factor at high speeds by design, autobahn thinking. But we're never going to drive a GLS like that in general, and don't need it. Would much prefer a straight and flat ride.
So, just curious if anyone on the GLE side of the family has corrected their rear alignment settings to take that aspect out of the ride characteristics, and if so, how?
Thanks!
On the GLS with the staggered wheels, the rear tires last 25k miles with normal usage. This is on the 450 model, Michelin all-season tires, nothing too fancy. That doesn't necessarily bother me. But I do notice how jiggly the car can get sometimes on the horizontal axis in the rear. For instance, drive over a lane strip that has a some moisture on it, and the car wants to slide over it from the rear, meaning the other side of the car is pushing it horizontal. Happens all the time. Car is perfectly aligned as well. So I figure it's the alignment setting itself, and knowing how MB (and German cars in general) seem to like that negative camber, I thought I might see if there were a fix to make it not do that so much. I understand why they do it that way, the stability factor at high speeds by design, autobahn thinking. But we're never going to drive a GLS like that in general, and don't need it. Would much prefer a straight and flat ride.
So, just curious if anyone on the GLE side of the family has corrected their rear alignment settings to take that aspect out of the ride characteristics, and if so, how?
Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,011
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
I had my AMG53 aligned this week. See my results and comments here - https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...st#post9263182
The attachment shows the specs for my car.
I asked about adjustable links / bushings and the response is in the linked post.
The attachment shows the specs for my car.
I asked about adjustable links / bushings and the response is in the linked post.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: TX
2024 GLE450, 1998 LEXUS GS400
I have a 2020 GLE 450, the rear tires are wearing faster on the inside.
I tried to align the rear but negative camber can't be reduced, even with the eccentric bolts.
Left -2.02
Right -2.35 (out of spec)
One technician said that the rear springs are worn and that's the reason for the rear tires to move further negative from the original specs.
Is he right? should I consider to replace the rear springs?
I tried to align the rear but negative camber can't be reduced, even with the eccentric bolts.
Left -2.02
Right -2.35 (out of spec)
One technician said that the rear springs are worn and that's the reason for the rear tires to move further negative from the original specs.
Is he right? should I consider to replace the rear springs?
I recently picked up a CPO 2024 GLE450. Had to take it back a few days later to do a transmission update due to jerkiness during downshift. After it was completed, the tech sent me a video with an overall inspection of the car and noted that my right rear was at 4/32 and the left rear was at 5/32. During my search for a CPO GLE, I was told that in order for any vehicle to pass inspection and become CPO, it needs to have a minimum tread depth of 5/32 or higher, so I brought this up to my service advisor and they replaced my right rear for free. I went and purchased a new left rear from Discount Tire. He also mentioned that for some reason the 450s wore faster in the rear right. He's not sure why, but he's seen it before.
