bzliteyear

hi guys,

the previous owner bought some really nice new 18" tires for my 2002 S55 and i thot everything was perfect and could go 25k miles on them based on casual observation of tread wear.

unfortunately, i just discovered after turning steering wheel to the extreme right that the front tires were both worn on the inside.

my guess is the alignment is off - tires probably have another 3k left.

can you guys advise whether i should get the alignment now? is this normal for AMG? the rear looks fine.

if i align front-end now, when i buy new tires(shortly), do i need to install again?
thx everyone.
Patrick

jd986s

If you have 3k left for front tires, this is normal for many MBZ cars. If you do get alignment, only get the dealer (or MBZ specialist with Star diagnostics to do alignment). You have ABC suspecsion and most shop cannot align the car properly.

bzliteyear

thx for quick response - but given that the middle/outside of tire tread appear near-new, doesn't that mean alignment was off?
given non-MB did the alignment last time, do you think that's why w/ ABC the alignment was off and caused tire wear.
PL

whoover

Unfortunately, it sounds like you need new tires. If they're worn on the inside, tread on the outside doesn't help much. After all, they're obviously contacting on the inside. The alignment is probably off, but it's too late to save those tires. If it were my car I would certainly replace the tires and have the car aligned -- in that order.

jd986s

Only dealer or specialist with Star Diagnostic (SDS) can do your alignment properly. I would let the dealer do it. Here in So. Cal, dealer charges $99 for alignment (more if you have distronic).

bzliteyear

my MB dealer says $69 special for alignment, but wants a 2nd procedure for $159 that lifts up/adjusts for air suspension/ABC - does that make sense?
Patrick

DRTYLNDY

The $159 procedure must be for the rodeo procedure. That is when they calibrate the ride hieghts on all 4 corners of the car. The car when hooked up to there computer will go up and down all over the place like at the rodeo. I am sure it is not called the rodeo procedure but that is what I remember it as.
Johan