The Sailor

Not sure if this is normal - I had 2 previous ML before 2003 320 and 2003 350 and can't remember if it did the same thing while driving through bad weather - snow.

This ML320 I currently own for some reason, the rear wants to swing to the right when the weather is bad.

The first time it happened was back in December when we had a slight snow/freezing rain mix and I was on my way to the airport. Was driving on the highway and the back end wants to swing to the right, feels like it slides to the right. At first, thought it was because I haven't installed my winter tires yet. Was driving on BF Goodrich Long Trail Tour (9/32 left on thread) and has 34PSI all around. So I figured it was the tires.

Had my winter tires installed, Hercules Avalanche X-Treme SUV (good reviews) - has 7/32 left on the thread and has 34PSI all around. We just had a snowstorm that dumped a few inches and was out for a couple of short runs - so far so good. The day after the snowstorm when the roads hasn't been fully plowed yet, the truck's rear end slowly slips to the right the straightens out after. Kinda catches you off guard.

Alignment is good since I had it checked when I had the winter tires installed.

Again, I had 2 previous MLs before and drove them through bad winter storms across Canada and never had any issues using Michelin Cross Terrain all season tires.

Should there be something I'd be looking at the rear end to see why it wants to swing to the right? Should I lower my tire pressure down to 32PSI?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Maj. Dundee

I would say that it is a rear alignment problem, regardless of the fact that you said it was already aligned.

Rear alignment is usually ignored because the nuts and bolts that must be loosened are rusted .

Find an alignment shop that is willing to do it. And always ask for a print-out.

fabbrisd1

Assuming it's 4matic - should not be happening really - on a ML320 rear alignment I would suggest only a qualified indie or MB dealer knows how to address rear alignment correctly.

Normall a rear alignment problem traces back to sometime in the past a tow vehicle hooked up to the rear control arm(s) rather than the tow hook - should have also shown and some type of accelerated rear tire wear/wear-pattern

The Sailor

Just got back from my mechanic - they had it up on the alignment hoist for an hour and told me that the alignment was spot on.

They re-did it and rechecked what they did previously and told me it was good.

I'm also leaning towards my rear shocks maybe - currently at 175000kms (108,000miles) - I had the front suspension done last summer including the shocks. Maybe the rear has to be replaced.

But will have the rear suspension checked out this weekend and see if I need shocks.

we47b1me

All W163's were AWD

The Sailor

Update: Right rear brake caliper was dirty and was slightly sticking - this is probably why when the roads are slippery it swings to the right slightly.

Had all the brakes cleaned and hopefully this cures the issue.

Will know more once it starts snowing again - suppose to get 6 inches of snow on Monday and hopefully it's all good.