Mercedes GLC Clonking and juddering on near full steering lock

[dejongj]

I've been asked to post some chassis alignment check sheets from another user who had it done by Mercedes.

 

[dejongj]

And interestingly I've now got mine from Mercedes as well.

First one was done last Wednesday, and the second was done Last Monday following the installation of new tyres. The vehicle code has changed, Mercedes say it was because the Hunter machine received a new update. I'm not skilled to argue for or against, just know it is different.

And for completeness I've also included my original one from WIM. I've contacted WIM to see whether they have had the same update as well and will try and have another check done if there is any point to it.

One other news, I've now learned from several owners who are already on Pirelli Scorpions and their vehicles have the same 'sensation'.

 

[dejongj]

dejongj: Hey man you're quiet tonight any movement with your situation?

Work stuff to deal with as well Anyway, I went in again yesterday. The short version is;

* Two different sets of target data in the chassis alignment check
* New tyres were fitted by the dealer - still crabs as mad, both Service Manager and Sales Manager were invited in my car and they took me up on it for the first time. Their non-verbal communication said it all. And in addition the service manager noted that it wasn't even on full lock. Halleluyah - I asked them to relay this to Mercedes-Benz UK please as I don't think they truly get how bad it is.

Regarding the resolution;
* First recommendation winter tyres - Not available for the car
* Second recommendation with damage code by Mercedes-UK for funding is all season tyres - Not available for the car
* Third recommendation is drop to 20" wheels with all season tyres - Not available for the car

It is a plain silly situation. I'm giving them every opportunity to resolve this and they clear cannot. They requested one week to gain some clarity from Mercedes UK regarding the logistics and what they can do next. I think that is reasonable. But if still no news then there is only the inevitable left to do.

PS. We did review possibilities to get out of this car and into a GLE43 Coupe. But even after a sizeable discount I just can't afford the cost of change.
PPS. I wished they bought my silence as this is no fun.

 

[DRIVER200]

Work stuff to deal with as well Anyway, I went in again yesterday. The short version is;

* Two different sets of target data in the chassis alignment check
* New tyres were fitted by the dealer - still crabs as mad, both Service Manager and Sales Manager were invited in my car and they took me up on it for the first time. Their non-verbal communication said it all. And in addition the service manager noted that it wasn't even on full lock. Halleluyah - I asked them to relay this to Mercedes-Benz UK please as I don't think they truly get how bad it is.

Regarding the resolution;
* First recommendation winter tyres - Not available for the car
* Second recommendation with damage code by Mercedes-UK for funding is all season tyres - Not available for the car
* Third recommendation is drop to 20" wheels with all season tyres - Not available for the car

It is a plain silly situation. I'm giving them every opportunity to resolve this and they clear cannot. They requested one week to gain some clarity from Mercedes UK regarding the logistics and what they can do next. I think that is reasonable. But if still no news then there is only the inevitable left to do.

PS. We did review possibilities to get out of this car and into a GLE43 Coupe. But even after a sizeable discount I just can't afford the cost of change.
PPS. I wished they bought my silence as this is no fun.

Welcome back!! Assume the new tyres are summers? Also another owner has been offered a tyre change as early as next week so not sure what that's all about. Curious to know if/when you eventually get Winter/All Weather tyres fitted and for arguments sake it does reduce the amount of cluncking/juddering to an acceptable level will you accept that all is well and put your summer tyres back on come May and store the winter tyres somewhere until later in the year?

 

[grober]

Assuming that the TOOT [toe out on turns] figure relates to the front axle track difference angle at 20 degrees on these sheets then the target data has changed slightly but the car is still within spec - any measured differences from one sheet to the next might be explained by the change from part worn 3mm tread to new 8mm tread tyres [ merely illustrating how important it is to get a car suspension set up on new unworn tyres]
Without knowing exactly what's being measured its difficult to know whether ackerman steering principles are being met? More to the point 20 degrees doesn't seem much of a steering angle?? and since the problem seems to occur more frequently at full lock it would be interesting to see what sort of front track difference figures the hunter might come up with at full lock?

Pointless to speculate however since MB dealers are going to go with their factory supplied figures and if things are within target data can't see they can do otherwise. Since this phenomenon seems to occur at less than full lock on some cars despite their chassis alignment being in spec the inevitable conclusion is that its drive train related. Primary candidates for closer examination would be that transfer box and all transmission components forward.

 

[dejongj]

Welcome back!! Assume the new tyres are summers? Also another owner has been offered a tyre change as early as next week so not sure what that's all about. Curious to know if/when you eventually get Winter/All Weather tyres fitted and for arguments sake it does reduce the amount of cluncking/juddering to an acceptable level will you accept that all is well and put your summer tyres back on come May and store the winter tyres somewhere until later in the year?

My dealer has offered to store the wheels/tyres for me. I want to give them all opportunity to try and resolve, the key is that they can't fulfil that.

So we'll see in one weeks time; if they can supply then I'm willing to try, but if they can't then I've had enough.

 

[DRIVER200]

My dealer has offered to store the wheels/tyres for me. I want to give them all opportunity to try and resolve, the key is that they can't fulfil that.

So we'll see in one weeks time; if they can supply then I'm willing to try, but if they can't then I've had enough.

Yep but do you think if the juddering is reduced to an acceptable -in your opinion that is- level you will be satisfied or do you think the pressure still needs to be kept on for MB to fix this properly?

 

[Deleted member 6183]

I've read loads of people asking 'why we can't have 4-Matic in the UK' over the years.

I suppose that we have the answer now.

 

[dejongj]

I've read loads of people asking 'why we can't have 4-Matic in the UK' over the years.

I suppose that we have the answer now.

yes and no, it requires some context. My GLS was super smooth, the GLE I've had for the past week was super smooth. My G Wagon was super smooth. My friend has a GLA45 and it is super smooth. They can do it.

 

[dejongj]

Yep but do you think if the juddering is reduced to an acceptable -in your opinion that is- level you will be satisfied or do you think the pressure still needs to be kept on for MB to fix this properly?

In my opinion they will not fix this properly. They may do going forwards with a new model, but in my imagination this is too costly to re-engineer.

I'm not qualified to say whether it will have long term effects, and to be totally honest I doubt I'll keep the car long enough to suffer those myself.

No juddering is acceptable to me. So unless it gets reduced to just the very occasional scrub, I'm not accepting this as a fix. My car does it on every turn in a seriously violent way, every time you park up, go around a mini round about. Unless you've experienced it, it will be very hard to imagine how bad it is.

My dealer yesterday nearly used the word 'not genuine' in reference to my videos and claiming it on microphone gain. I was very pleased that they finally took the invitation to come and join me on brand new tyres on the road outside. They were shocked, it was very clear they didn't imagine how bad it is.

I find it hard to see how different tyres will resolve this. But I am willing to cooperate and try it. What I am concerned about is the effect of All Season tyres on the performance of the GLC43 AMG. But since the tyres are fictional and do not actually exist nobody can actually comment on that

So at the moment, nice gesture but as it cannot be fulfilled it is a hollow promise in my opinion.

 

[DRIVER200]

In my opinion they will not fix this properly. They may do going forwards with a new model, but in my imagination this is too costly to re-engineer.

I'm not qualified to say whether it will have long term effects, and to be totally honest I doubt I'll keep the car long enough to suffer those myself.

No juddering is acceptable to me. So unless it gets reduced to just the very occasional scrub, I'm not accepting this as a fix. My car does it on every turn in a seriously violent way, every time you park up, go around a mini round about. Unless you've experienced it, it will be very hard to imagine how bad it is.

My dealer yesterday nearly used the word 'not genuine' in reference to my videos and claiming it on microphone gain. I was very pleased that they finally took the invitation to come and join me on brand new tyres on the road outside. They were shocked, it was very clear they didn't imagine how bad it is.

I find it hard to see how different tyres will resolve this. But I am willing to cooperate and try it. What I am concerned about is the effect of All Season tyres on the performance of the GLC43 AMG. But since the tyres are fictional and do not actually exist nobody can actually comment on that

So at the moment, nice gesture but as it cannot be fulfilled it is a hollow promise in my opinion.

Yep. Don't forget that come the warmer months this characteristic may quietly disappear which won't really help. I think you are right about this particular model in terms of a permanent fix maybe future models will be different.

 

[hallra]

In my opinion they will not fix this properly. They may do going forwards with a new model, but in my imagination this is too costly to re-engineer.

I'm not qualified to say whether it will have long term effects, and to be totally honest I doubt I'll keep the car long enough to suffer those myself.

No juddering is acceptable to me. So unless it gets reduced to just the very occasional scrub, I'm not accepting this as a fix. My car does it on every turn in a seriously violent way, every time you park up, go around a mini round about. Unless you've experienced it, it will be very hard to imagine how bad it is.

My dealer yesterday nearly used the word 'not genuine' in reference to my videos and claiming it on microphone gain. I was very pleased that they finally took the invitation to come and join me on brand new tyres on the road outside. They were shocked, it was very clear they didn't imagine how bad it is.

I find it hard to see how different tyres will resolve this. But I am willing to cooperate and try it. What I am concerned about is the effect of All Season tyres on the performance of the GLC43 AMG. But since the tyres are fictional and do not actually exist nobody can actually comment on that

So at the moment, nice gesture but as it cannot be fulfilled it is a hollow promise in my opinion.

That is one of my huge gripes with Mercedes, that there has been a huge amount of assumption and complete lack of thorough investigation.

How can it be with all your dealings with this problem it has taken until now for the garage to see it for themselves, woefully inadequate and bordering on incompetent.

 

[DRIVER200]

dejongj: Appreciate any info you have on this latest question re whether owners can keep their original tyres for future usage.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/amg-lounge/218862-all-c43-amg-owners-what-shall-i-do-new-post.html

 

[Deleted128943]

Work stuff to deal with as well Anyway, I went in again yesterday. The short version is;

* Two different sets of target data in the chassis alignment check
* New tyres were fitted by the dealer - still crabs as mad, both Service Manager and Sales Manager were invited in my car and they took me up on it for the first time. Their non-verbal communication said it all. And in addition the service manager noted that it wasn't even on full lock. Halleluyah - I asked them to relay this to Mercedes-Benz UK please as I don't think they truly get how bad it is.

Regarding the resolution;
* First recommendation winter tyres - Not available for the car
* Second recommendation with damage code by Mercedes-UK for funding is all season tyres - Not available for the car
* Third recommendation is drop to 20" wheels with all season tyres - Not available for the car

It is a plain silly situation. I'm giving them every opportunity to resolve this and they clear cannot. They requested one week to gain some clarity from Mercedes UK regarding the logistics and what they can do next. I think that is reasonable. But if still no news then there is only the inevitable left to do.

PS. We did review possibilities to get out of this car and into a GLE43 Coupe. But even after a sizeable discount I just can't afford the cost of change.
PPS. I wished they bought my silence as this is no fun.

It's time for legal guidance if they don't come up with a cost neutral answer when the week's up. If it were me I'd get them on a loud speaker phone with my mobile phone set to record and discus everything you've said above so that you have evidence. If they don't come up with an answer seek guidance on the MB letter and your recording. As you know I've done this for other unresolved issues with my GLC and the dealers attitude changed completely when they became aware of my recordings. Whilst this is an MB issue the dealer sold you the car so it's up to them to rectify maters.

 

[Flackadder]

Not overly sure on legality of recording a phone call and using it against them. Not an expert, but I was under the impression that it was fine as long as no third party was involved.

Recording a conversation with Bert at MB and then playing the recording to Fred at MB may be dubious.

As I said, I am not expert. Was just thinking out aloud whilst at work.

 

[Deleted128943]

Not overly sure on legality of recording a phone call and using it against them. Not an expert, but I was under the impression that it was fine as long as no third party was involved.

Recording a conversation with Bert at MB and then playing the recording to Fred at MB may be dubious.

As I said, I am not expert. Was just thinking out aloud whilst at work.

I don't see why it's an issue recording a call or using the recording as proof of what was said particularly when there's a contradiction. My recordings always included the person confirming their name, department and who they work for so that there's no doubt. Bert should have no concern over what's recorded and played back to Fred if they've told the truth. I have one instance when I was informed by my local dealer that a call had taken place between them and Mercedes in Milton Keynes during which certain information was given regarding an issue with my GLC. I knew the info I was given was incorrect and queried it with Mercedes Customer services based in the Netherlands who questioned why Milton Keynes would give out incorrect info and took it up with them and they didn't recollect saying what had been claimed. I raised the issue with my local MB dealer, after a bit of stuttering from them I eventually made them aware I had proof of exactly what was said and the bull stopped and the issues on my GLC sorted or compromises met.

It's a shame to have to take this kind of action but the fact of the matter is proof/evidence are occasionally required and works saving a lot of hassle.

 

[brucemillar]

Recorded Conversations: Can we use them in court? | A City Law Firm

 

[Flackadder]

As I said Thinking out aloud whilst at work. And, I am no expert.

So, is the 'citylawfim' link saying yes or no? Looks like only with both parties agreeing...from what I can make of it.

I don't need a war over it, was just trying to help

 

[brucemillar]

As I said Thinking out aloud whilst at work. And, I am no expert.

So, is the 'citylawfim' link saying yes or no? Looks like only with both parties agreeing...from what I can make of it.

I don't need a war over it, was just trying to help

They are saying (and I am agreeing) that it is a very grey area. You should always advise somebody that you are recording them and the purpose for which you are doing so. If you have not done that? Then try to rely on it in court? I think you would get short shrift from any judge and it would not be allowed as evidence.

Your point is very valid and a very fair point to make here to avoid any upset at a later date.

 

[Delayed Steve]

As I said Thinking out aloud whilst at work. And, I am no expert.

So, is the 'citylawfim' link saying yes or no? Looks like only with both parties agreeing...from what I can make of it.

I don't need a war over it, was just trying to help

I'm with you, I thought you could only record someone if you told them they were being recorded !
I'm no expert in these matters either