Wheel Wobble

[SLKKOMP]

My 2000 SLK 230 K drives fine up to 60 mph. Above that it has front wheel vibration throught the streering wheel. The standard SLK alloys wheels have been recently refurbed and balanced. There is also a slight pull to the left on all cambers. One wheel bearing has been tightened to pass an MOT retake. The bearing on the front are now: n/side tight no movement and o/side slight play, maybe 1 mm?
Any suggestions?
Cheers.

 

[LTD]

Silly question - have you checked all the wheel bolts are present ?

 

[WDB124066]

I am not so sure there should be 1 mm play. I have no play in mine and haven't for 60 000 kms. Suggest this is adjusted out.

Balancing machines need calibrating. Only go to the shops that deal with high end cars as they will have been made aware of this and chances are they have proper machines and trained technicians. This is very important and often overlooked. Also, balance weights do have a habit of comming off especially the inside ones if they rub at all on other suspension or brake parts. This is a very common problem, especially if thicker "stick on" weights are used instead of longer thinner ones. As much as I don't like it, I have found that the stick on weights tend not to be as accurate as clip on ones, even if they do tend to prevent damaging the coating on the wheels.

Pull to the left seems common on Mercs but is solvable. MB have a tech note on this and suggest if it is a problem after the car has been set up correctly, then increase the castor on the left to create up to a degree of difference between left and right. There is also an adjustment to the camber between left and right sides that will make a difference. Check Wheels In Motion postings on this........

Regards to all, W.

 

[SLKKOMP]

Wheel Wobble . . . thanks for replies

Hi,
Yes the bolts are all there!
Looks like it is worth having the bearing play and wheel balance checked then . . . . never an easy fix!
Cheers all.

 

[WDB124066]

Hi,
Yes the bolts are all there!
Looks like it is worth having the bearing play and wheel balance checked then . . . . never an easy fix!
Cheers all.

I would get a Dealer to adjust the bearing - as reqd. It will cost next to nothing, and you can have the confidence that it will be done correctly. I would also get them to balance all four wheels with the proper weights. It will take about the same time as a cup of coffee, a biscuit & a read of the paper. You can go see the latest offerings on the showroom floor too. (God I love a good quick visit to the dealership that costs me almost nothing!!)

Wheel & tyre places just give you what they have and normally end up damaging the wheels for free in the process......!
If you can't go to the Dealer, ring around the top end car yards to see where they get their wheel work done.

Regards to all, W.