Mercedes GLC Clonking and juddering on near full steering lock

[DRIVER200]

Today whilst turning sharp right off a main road in my GLC Coupe I hit a light patch of gravel and the front wheels jumped. This wasn't just a skid on gravel it felt completely different, I suspect the resultant forces of the crabbing issue were released in one go rather than gradually when driving in full lock slower. Either way it was disconcerting to say the least and it ain't normal....

Are you considering taking MB up on their offer to change your tyres to AW's which may ease this problem a little?

 

[Deleted128943]

Are you considering taking MB up on their offer to change your tyres to AW's which may ease this problem a little?

I've requested my local MB dealer put my GLC down for the AW tyres and asked for more details on the reference to after market tyres in last MB letter. Before having the tyres fitted availability in the future is important to me, if they turn out to be a tyre that's not available off the shelf that will be problematic in the future when tyre replacement is required due to either a puncture or wear. I currently have MOE run flats fitted which I assume are more ridged than AW tyres and my GLC still exhibits crabbing in the wet and on gravel therefore I do wonder if AW tyres will make any difference, to this end I've also asked if I'll be able to keep the run flats so that I can have them refitted if required in the future. Run flats for my 19" wheels are likely to be easier to get hold of than after market specially manufactured tyres. I've asked my questions a couple of times and as yet no reply, surprise, surprise.

 

[dejongj]

A brief update. My dealer went out in my car and it crabbed like usual. We took out another GLC43 on same tyres and wheels and it was silky smooth. They are in conference now but want to investigate other potential mechanical issues. The difference between the cars is remarkable.

 

[flowrider]

A brief update. My dealer went out in my car and it crabbed like usual. We took out another GLC43 on same tyres and wheels and it was silky smooth. They are in conference now but want to investigate other potential mechanical issues. The difference between the cars is remarkable.

Cant you have that car then. If you take something into a shop that is faulty most places will swap it with a new one.

 

[flowrider]

Overall assume this new chapter with the DVSA is good news for owners or not as once the legal eagles get involved it could take years?

You may well be correct. There will be a point in time when a revised model will be produced which fix's the crabbing but all the older models will be forever tainted with crabbing and will become unsaleable. Hopefully most of the affected cars will be on leases and hence the resale is MB's problem.

 

[dejongj]

Cant you have that car then. If you take something into a shop that is faulty most places will swap it with a new one.

LOL I don't like the interior in it. It's all black with the Matt interior and no red stitching and no red seat belts and full leather. I prefer my interior with the contrasting stitching and the middle of the seats being microfibres.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

LOL I don't like the interior in it. It's all black with the Matt interior and no red stitching and no red seat belts and full leather. I prefer my interior with the contrasting stitching and the middle of the seats being microfibres.

Seriously though, if the dealer or Mercedes offered a straight swap for this car, how would you respond?

 

[dejongj]

Seriously though, if the dealer or Mercedes offered a straight swap for this car, how would you respond?

Ok interior aside; yes I would. It was lovely, like how a Mercedes should corner on those gorgeous 21" wheels.

 

[DRIVER200]

You may well be correct. There will be a point in time when a revised model will be produced which fix's the crabbing but all the older models will be forever tainted with crabbing and will become unsaleable. Hopefully most of the affected cars will be on leases and hence the resale is MB's problem.

I don't agree in any way with your statement about future saleability as in 3-4 years time cars with this 'characteristic' will still command exactly the same money as if they didn't have the issue in the first place such is the nature of the used car market. Many other cars have this problem and it has done nothing to taint their resale values.

 

[st13phil]

LOL I don't like the interior in it. It's all black with the Matt interior and no red stitching and no red seat belts and full leather. I prefer my interior with the contrasting stitching and the middle of the seats being microfibres.

You're missing the obvious: swap the interior parts too

 

[dejongj]

You're missing the obvious: swap the interior parts too

Hehehehe

I'm happy if they can fix mine but yes that could be an option

 

[tangey]

it is also funny to see how Mercedes Crabbing keeps on receiving Yes votes from lets say suspicious locations It has been monitored for a long time, but sufficient evidence is being collated to proof a point for those who proceed with legal action. Absolutely pathetic that some seem to be hell-bent on ignoring and avoiding opposed to actually rectifying it....

For obvious reasons I will not post personally identifiable details on here....

Have to say I'm a bit confused by what you are actually saying. "yes" votes in relation to what?...and how do they counter the objectives of the website ?

on a different tack, has anyone who hasn't raised this issue with mercedes directly, brought the existence of the letter and the offer of tyres to the attention of their dealer, and if so, what's been the response ?

 

[tangey]

A brief update. My dealer went out in my car and it crabbed like usual. We took out another GLC43 on same tyres and wheels and it was silky smooth. They are in conference now but want to investigate other potential mechanical issues. The difference between the cars is remarkable.

Which definitively proves that (at least in your instance, which is likely not a one-off) tyres/wheels are not the issue. What the hell will they come up with now ?

 

[hallra]

A brief update. My dealer went out in my car and it crabbed like usual. We took out another GLC43 on same tyres and wheels and it was silky smooth. They are in conference now but want to investigate other potential mechanical issues. The difference between the cars is remarkable.

My car has be taken away for inspection by the garage that sold it to me, in it's place I have been given a new 2017 GLC coupe AMG with 19" wheels to drive.

I will see how the crabbing is with this model and wait in anticipation on what the garage do/do not find.

I've already been told they will swap the tyres to all seasons after they have driven about in the car for a few days.
- I asked for the original fronts to be kept.

 

[DRIVER200]

I am pleased that the DVSA will be testing the GLC in relation to vehicle Safety. See last paragraph.

If they do conclude the juddering and clonking to be a safety issue this will mean Mercedes will have to recall and fit re-designed components.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr Greenhalgh

I acknowledge receipt of your defect report which now has the above reference.

DVSA investigates safety defects within the terms of the Code of Practice on Vehicle Safety Defects (the Code), which has the support of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (as amended). Please find attached our initial correspondence in this matter and a copy of the Consumer’s Guide to Vehicle Safety Defects for your information.

The aim being to establish if the defect is a failure due to design and/or construction, which is likely to affect the safe operation of the product without prior warning to the user and may pose a significant risk to the driver, occupants and others. This defect will be common to a number of products that have been sold for use in the United Kingdom. Typical examples of this could be a sudden loss of braking or steering.

Additionally, when investigating concerns, the Vehicle Safety Branch (VSB) have as a base line that the vehicle is being maintained and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and that the Highway Code is being adhered to.

The file has been assigned to me as I am already investigating similar reports.

Thank you for your email as attached and I note your comments. DVSA will be conducting vehicle testing with the manufacturer in the near future and I will contact you when we have an outcome.


Regards


John Corcoran

Automotive Engineer
Defects Investigations
Vehicle Safety Branch
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, 1st Floor, Berkeley House, Croydon Street, Bristol BS5 0DA
Tel: 0117 954 2526
Email: [email protected]

Perhaps I am stating the obvious but assume the findings of the DVSA will apply to all 4Matic models not just the GLC?

 

[Smerck]

I've requested my local MB dealer put my GLC down for the AW tyres and asked for more details on the reference to after market tyres in last MB letter. Before having the tyres fitted availability in the future is important to me, if they turn out to be a tyre that's not available off the shelf that will be problematic in the future when tyre replacement is required due to either a puncture or wear. I currently have MOE run flats fitted which I assume are more ridged than AW tyres and my GLC still exhibits crabbing in the wet and on gravel therefore I do wonder if AW tyres will make any difference, to this end I've also asked if I'll be able to keep the run flats so that I can have them refitted if required in the future. Run flats for my 19" wheels are likely to be easier to get hold of than after market specially manufactured tyres. I've asked my questions a couple of times and as yet no reply, surprise, surprise.

Do you mean rigid or ridged!? Another nonsensical post, I'm surprised Deljong hasn't commented! Run-flats will have more rigid side walls that's why you can drive them after a puncture, the theory is that AW tyres are softer and will probably reduce/mask the so called crabbing. Loads of SUV's have proper AW/M&S tyres so not sure why you think that they would be specially manufactured (MO marking aside, which surely is a con).

 

[Deleted128943]

Do you mean rigid or ridged!? Another nonsensical post, I'm surprised Deljong hasn't commented! Run-flats will have more rigid side walls that's why you can drive them after a puncture, the theory is that AW tyres are softer and will probably reduce/mask the so called crabbing. Loads of SUV's have proper AW/M&S tyres so not sure why you think that they would be specially manufactured (MO marking aside, which surely is a con).

Smerck many thanks for the English lesson, and for calling my post nonsensical. I have a full understanding of how run flats work but thank you for the explanation. I've had standard MO and MOE run flat tyres fitted to my GLC Coupe and the crabbing reduced when the run flats were fitted which I assumed was due to the reduced tyre flexibility. From the video's I've seen it would appear that during full lock manoeuvres the abnormal forces produced result in the tyres folding under the rim then back out hence the crabbing, perhaps more riDged tyre walls reduce this flexing.

I't would appear you haven't read the MB letter dated 24th Feb 2017 in which they refer to the availability of aftermarket tyres. You also don't seem to be aware that all season tyre sizes for 20" and above in many cases don't seem to be available off the shelf which I assume is why MB have referred to aftermarket. If you own a GLC Coupe you'll no doubt be aware that the AMG format have different size tyres front and rear making it more difficult to acquire a full set of all season tyres for the larger rims. It doesn't matter what "loads of SUV's" have fitted, what's more pertinent is what's available for the size of wheels fitted to the GLC.

 

[Steveml63]

perhaps more riDged tyre walls reduce this flexing.

I still think you are confusing your rigid with your ridged!

Run flats have stiff side walls - they are therefore more rigid!

A ridged surface has raised lines on it - like Walkers ridged crisps!!!

 

[Deleted128943]

I still think you are confusing your rigid with your ridged!

Run flats have stiff side walls - they are therefore more rigid!

A ridged surface has raised lines on it - like Walkers ridged crisps!!!

 

[DRIVER200]

Which definitively proves that (at least in your instance, which is likely not a one-off) tyres/wheels are not the issue. What the hell will they come up with now ?

Guess this is proof positive that they don't All Do It!! Which doesn't make much sense as two identical vehicles should have the same characteristics surely?