CLK 55 AMG Road Manners - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

TexC36 · 01-21-2009, 11:07 AM

I just purchased a 2005 CLK 55 Convertible and am experiencing some "twitchy" ness when driving on the freeway. Tires are Continentals and are the proper size for the 18 inch wheels. Having driving the car less than 75 miles, I'm unfamiliar if this is normal. There is an intermittment slight twitch or yaw movement (side to side sort of ) when driving at freeway speeds. Would this be normal for these low profile tires, and perhaps the surface of the freeway? Carfax shows car to be clean of accidents, etc. My inspection shows no damage to anything, car has 38k miles on it.

Any help would be appreciated, this is a new one for me.

**Tonino** · 01-21-2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexC36

I just purchased a 2005 CLK 55 Convertible and am experiencing some "twitchy" ness when driving on the freeway. Tires are Continentals and are the proper size for the 18 inch wheels. Having driving the car less than 75 miles, I'm unfamiliar if this is normal. There is an intermittment slight twitch or yaw movement (side to side sort of ) when driving at freeway speeds. Would this be normal for these low profile tires, and perhaps the surface of the freeway? Carfax shows car to be clean of accidents, etc. My inspection shows no damage to anything, car has 38k miles on it.

Any help would be appreciated, this is a new one for me.

I suggest to check the tire pressure, and maybe bump to higher pressure 4-5 psi from the label on the gas door, maybe that's all it is after all
Regards

Suki6 · 01-21-2009, 12:31 PM

Tires might be to old or it might not be the right shape this can be another reason

unitfreebie · 01-21-2009, 07:31 PM

Something's not right!! With that profile tire, the car should track like it was on rails.... tell us exactly what size/profile tires are on the front and rears...

Also could be the suspension is not matched to the new wheels... sometimes upgrading just the wheels/tires without upgrading to stiffer suspension and shocks will cause a single cycle oscillation during abrupt directional changes.

If possible, try borrowing a set up stock wheels/tires and see if the problem goes away... if not, then it's a suspension problem. Whatever you do, drive carefully as it is dangerous the way it is now.

You might also posting this problem in the Tire/wheel forum and see if someone can answer your question.

Good Luck..

Jetjok · 01-21-2009, 08:13 PM

Sometimes a tire can throw an internal cord, thereby ruining the tire. But you can't see it from the outside. You might try having your tires and rims put on a balancing machine to see if all tires run true. If not, I'd bet that's the cause of your problem.

JJ

BryanW163 · 01-22-2009, 08:20 AM

I know some of the highways around Kansas have ruts from semis and heavy trucks; low profile tires will follow those ruts. If the roads are concrete the tires can grab the grooves cut into the surface. Just a couple of ideas!

Are the front and rear tires the same tread pattern?

CLK5OO · 01-22-2009, 05:08 PM

I know exactly what you are talking about because I have the same thing going on mith my '06 CLK500. Its the Continental tires and I'm going to guess cold temps and moisture combined with the crack filler used on highways. It scares the crap out of me to the point I took the car into the dealer. I got a loaner C300 with you guessed it Continentals and the same thing happened again. What I had diagnosed as the issue (Conti's/Cold/Wet/Crack sealer) was what the dealer came back with. Its fine when warm, but once the temp went down it started. I am not driving my car during the winter so thats how I got around it. You might want to change tire brand. I'd be happy to compare notes if you like.

db

TexC36 · 01-22-2009, 05:08 PM

Dealer is having the car aligned, they took it for a spin and came back and told me the car should not be that way. We also found tire pressures varied from 26 to 46 psi. Car should be ready tomorrow so hopefully everything will be ok. Ive had 6 MB cars, including a C36 AMG and I had never experienced anything like that.

Does anyone know how to re-set the analog clock? The manuals are missing for the car... so I've ordered a disc with a PDF file of the manual.

Good suggestions on this board, looking forward to learning more. Thanks

TexC36 · 01-22-2009, 05:11 PM

DB, yes they are contis on the car. They are in good shape but I'm with you when they are worn. I'll probably switch to Kuhmos. I traded in a BMW 2001 740i Sport on the CLK, and had put Kuhmos on it. Much better ride than with the Michelin Pilot Sports that came on it originally. Better $$$ too.