2008 ML320 CDI Wheel Alignment
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Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Cincinnati, OH
2008 ML320 CDI, 2012 GLK350
2008 ML320 CDI Wheel Alignment
I have read a bunch of other threads about alignments on these vehicles. It seemed as if the majority opinion was that an alignment is not needed when getting new tires unless the tires are worn very unevenly or the vehicle pulls to one side or the other. I am getting new tires in a couple days and trying to decide whether or not to get an alignment and if I do, whether or not to go to the dealer for the alignment. The vehicle seems to track straight. I don't experience any significant pull to one side or the other. The vehicle will slowly move to one side or the other depending on the slope of the road I am currently driving on. But, the outside edge of the tires (particularly the front tires) is worn more than the middle treads and more than the inside edge of the treads. I noticed a couple posts that this may be a tire pressure issue and not necessarily an alignment issue. But I have consistently made sure the pressures are 32 psi which is what is recommended. The vehicle has 123,000 miles on it and I purchased it 18 months ago with brand new tires.
Thanks for your help and advice.
Thanks for your help and advice.
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 162
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From: Madison, AL
2009 ML320 Bluetec
My 2009 with 19" stock wheels wore the center tread more than the edges but I don't know how many miles the P.O. put on the tires before I bought it. I put 15,000 on, and popped a tire last Friday. Had 5,000 to 10,000 left on the tires but wasn't comfortable mixing a new tire with three that worn, especially with AWD.
So now I have some experience driving with a flat tire. The vehicle didn't pull, steering didn't shake, nothing but TPMS was unhappy.
It was terribly inconvenient to try to get a wheel alignment on Saturday afternoon in northern Indiana. Lucked out only being 60 miles from TireRack in being able to get 255/50-19's. (Continental LX20 at $210 was my choice to replace Michelin somethings which were $340 each at TireRack).
600 miles later there is no sign of feathering on the edges of my new tires. Dealer wants $200 to align. Am thinking of taking it to the $59.95 place just because I want to see what their machine says. Very pleased at how hard of a hit the vehicle and wheel survived. If it really is still in alignment I'll be stunned and amazed.
Based on your tires wearing the outer edges I would guess you are in need of a good alignment. It might be worth $200 to preserve $1000 of tires.
So now I have some experience driving with a flat tire. The vehicle didn't pull, steering didn't shake, nothing but TPMS was unhappy.
It was terribly inconvenient to try to get a wheel alignment on Saturday afternoon in northern Indiana. Lucked out only being 60 miles from TireRack in being able to get 255/50-19's. (Continental LX20 at $210 was my choice to replace Michelin somethings which were $340 each at TireRack).
600 miles later there is no sign of feathering on the edges of my new tires. Dealer wants $200 to align. Am thinking of taking it to the $59.95 place just because I want to see what their machine says. Very pleased at how hard of a hit the vehicle and wheel survived. If it really is still in alignment I'll be stunned and amazed.
Based on your tires wearing the outer edges I would guess you are in need of a good alignment. It might be worth $200 to preserve $1000 of tires.
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Mercedes-Benz CLK 550
KEEP IN MIND THE ONLY OEM ADJUSTMENT IS “TOE”!
(Gone are the days when “full front and rear alignment” means just that)
AT K-MAC WE THEREFORE MANUFACTURE REPLACEMENT BUSHES FOR THE W164, 166 – THE 4 FRONT MAIN INNER BUSHES – OF THESE THE 2 FRONT ARE PRECISELY ADJUSTABLE FOR CAMBER (single wrench – accurately under load, direct on alignment rack).
WHILE THE 2 REAR BUSHES ARE HEAVY DUTY AND ALSO ALLOW CASTER ADJUSTMENT AND RESOLVE THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THESE REAR BUSHINGS AND THE NEED FOR EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT PURCHASE.
FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION - K-MAC BUSHINGS PROVIDE AGAIN PRECISE CAMBER (AND EXTRA TOE ADJUSTMENT – NECESSARY WITH THE NEW CAMBER FACILITY).
BOTH KITS FRONT AND REAR THEREFORE ALLOW PRECISE/ONGOING/FUTURE ADJUSTMENT TO RETURN VEHICLE TO FACTORY SPECS TO RESOLVE CURB KNOCK DAMAGE, PREMATURE EDGE TIRE WEAR, STEERING PULL, FITTING WIDE PROFILE TIRES/WHEELS, LOAD CARRYING OR ALTERING SUSPENSION HEIGHT.
