After Shock
Active Member
Whilst this was originally about wheel geometry and tyre wear I have posted this under general for another reason.
I have always thought that replies to requests for help and advice have always been excellent on this forum hoewever the help I had resolving this particular problem really highlights that there are people and companies still out there who still want to help out and provide EXCELENT services and customer service!
My original post was:
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/wheels-tyres-brakes-suspension/176920-uneven-wear-tyres.html
I have a very good relationship with the guy who runs my local garage and would trust him to sort anything and have always gone with his advice. My knowledge of mechanics is ok but ….
The problems I was having with inner tyre wear have led me into a whole new world.
This started with the above thread and has involved talking with people with years and years of specialist knowledge. A HUGE thanks to Tony from Wheels Inmotion, a regular poster on here for his help. I spoke to Tony a few times and he had a very good idea of the problem immediately. Well 20 odd years of dealing with geometry gives you this ability and depth of understanding. If my local garage had caught on I am sure Tony would have been able to talk him through the work needing to be done. Although after being at WIM I think I am glad I took it to them.
I eventually drove up to Wheels Inmotion, a two hour drive that was well worth it (UK Tyres Online Cheap Car Tyres Shop | Blackboots Wheels in Motion) where Jo, another great guy, explained what he thought was going on and had an arm and bolt so he could show me the problem. I then sat under the car as he “fixed” the problem. I won’t go into the long details, as I recall them, as I wouldn't do them justice. I was interested and Jo was only to happy to explain what he was doing and why.
One thing that does stick in my head was Jo knew the problem as he had seen it before. More so he new exactly how to correct it but you don’t “just fix it” Apparently this is not uncommon but it just doesn’t get picked up by independents and more worryingly (or sadly not unexpectedly!) MB dealerships.
So sorting the camber and toe in can be done but what you do is leave castor (I think it is??!!) still “slightly out” as W211’s have a tendency to pull. Any other garage would set the tracking to the “correct” position as the Hunter Hawkeye laser tracking equipment but this does not work and you end up with on screen perfect readings but a car that pulls. Here again the knowledge and experience WIM have allow them to manipulate geometry within the bands allowable to give the best ride.
Well all I really wanted to say is ....
Thank you Tony and Jo.
To anyone experiencing tyre wear and or geometry/tracking problems all I can say is give these guys a call. You will be pleased you did.
I have always thought that replies to requests for help and advice have always been excellent on this forum hoewever the help I had resolving this particular problem really highlights that there are people and companies still out there who still want to help out and provide EXCELENT services and customer service!
My original post was:
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/wheels-tyres-brakes-suspension/176920-uneven-wear-tyres.html
I have a very good relationship with the guy who runs my local garage and would trust him to sort anything and have always gone with his advice. My knowledge of mechanics is ok but ….
The problems I was having with inner tyre wear have led me into a whole new world.
This started with the above thread and has involved talking with people with years and years of specialist knowledge. A HUGE thanks to Tony from Wheels Inmotion, a regular poster on here for his help. I spoke to Tony a few times and he had a very good idea of the problem immediately. Well 20 odd years of dealing with geometry gives you this ability and depth of understanding. If my local garage had caught on I am sure Tony would have been able to talk him through the work needing to be done. Although after being at WIM I think I am glad I took it to them.
I eventually drove up to Wheels Inmotion, a two hour drive that was well worth it (UK Tyres Online Cheap Car Tyres Shop | Blackboots Wheels in Motion) where Jo, another great guy, explained what he thought was going on and had an arm and bolt so he could show me the problem. I then sat under the car as he “fixed” the problem. I won’t go into the long details, as I recall them, as I wouldn't do them justice. I was interested and Jo was only to happy to explain what he was doing and why.
One thing that does stick in my head was Jo knew the problem as he had seen it before. More so he new exactly how to correct it but you don’t “just fix it” Apparently this is not uncommon but it just doesn’t get picked up by independents and more worryingly (or sadly not unexpectedly!) MB dealerships.
So sorting the camber and toe in can be done but what you do is leave castor (I think it is??!!) still “slightly out” as W211’s have a tendency to pull. Any other garage would set the tracking to the “correct” position as the Hunter Hawkeye laser tracking equipment but this does not work and you end up with on screen perfect readings but a car that pulls. Here again the knowledge and experience WIM have allow them to manipulate geometry within the bands allowable to give the best ride.
Well all I really wanted to say is ....
Thank you Tony and Jo.
To anyone experiencing tyre wear and or geometry/tracking problems all I can say is give these guys a call. You will be pleased you did.
