05LSV

I recently put 4 new tires on the car (Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus) and as I usually do, got a fresh alignment. Immediately, the car was pulling right. Not severely where you're going to veer off the road, but enough that the car will change lanes at 60mph in a matter of a couple hundred feet. It's noticeable to the extent that I feel like it could cause undue tire wear.

So I dropped the car off for my steering creek (which didn't end up getting fixed for some reason) and for a re-alignment.

The dealer said that my alignment is within spec, and because the Michelins are directional, they can pull one way or the other. I don't see how this is possible, as I've had plenty of directional tires on cars in my day and I've never had this issue.

Your thoughts?

johnng117

You mechanic is talking rubbish. If it was ok before the change something wrong has been done.

05LSV

I'm thinking the same. Might take it to a private alignment place and see if they can make it run straight. I don't think everyone with directional tires has this problem on a $100k car. A little crazy.

Quattrodude

This is very interesting - I have an 06 and also just put on 4 Mich. AS sports - and have just taken it to get a second opinion as well. I too have the pull to the right and both places say my alignment is in spec. The second place says i have a bad radial pull and that the tire place should replace the tire. I'm not convinced thats the problem but not sure what to do now either.

My next plan was to switch the tires to the opposite side - and I would assume if its a tire, it will pull to the left...

And go from there...

Let me know if you find anything different.

Cheers

JP

homeofstone

Had same problem with the Michelin Pilot sport a/s plus. It ended when tire dealer found 3 of the 4 tires had radial pull to the right. The tire dealer replaced the set with Bridgestone Turanza Serenity tires and pulling to right problem was solved. Michelin must have production problems and/or quality control problems.

vdubpower

tire pressure off?

homeofstone

No, tire pressure was perfect, aligment perfect, smooth road, but bad tires.

lunarx

In spec does not mean much.
Find out how even camber is from side to side.
Since camber is not adjustable, it might be off a bit on one side causing a pull.

kappa_ho

I've taken my benz to a really good alignment specialist. He said that this problem is common in mercedes. the rumor is the car is built like that in so that if you fall asleep on the wheel you veer off the road instead of oncoming traffic. in order to fix this you need camber bolts. that will fix your problem. don't take it to the dealer though they will charge you $600-$700.

johnng117

Lots of members have had alignments which will include camber & caster slight adjustments so after an alignment if the numbers were that out i'm sure you have bent something.
So regarding the cause of the problem is the camber I dont think so.

Also your a fall asleep on the wheel i'm sure its better that the car drove straight.
These cars drive straight, pulling to the right of left is a problem.

My findings are that after changing my tires it improved alot so I think its a tire problem.

Mr.Benzo

Sounds like tire pull! Dont' buy directional tires, especially Michelin PS All seasons, the are the worst wearing tires you can put on MB's..