[Oaklandish]

Hi All, I have a 2005 C230 Sport sedan with 105,000 miles. It's all stock.

I noticed my front tires were cupping (balding on outside) and when I replaced them at 35,000 miles I had an alignment done at the behest of the tire guy. He said that would fix it. I had the alignment done and it was barely out of spec and some specs were within range. It kind of looks like my new tires are cupping again.

Now, I do live at the top of a 1 mile twisty hill so downhill and braking may exacerbate the cupping. Basically, I don't want to burn through tires. I had the rear shocks replaced at about 80k miles since I noticed the car bouncing. I don't get that same feeling from the front but they don't feel new that's for sure. My gut is that the front shocks are old and they aren't pressing the wheels down evenly hence the cupping. If I replace the front shocks, problem solved. I called an independent shop and he's not sure if I have air suspension or regular shocks.

Do you think new front shocks will fix this problem? Any idea on how much I should spend to replace the front shocks and the tranny mounts (for my transmission vibration)? Any idea which shocks I have?

 

[rudeney]

I suspect it's control arms and not shock. The "lower" one uses a fluid-filled bushing that has a lot of torque on it that will eventually crack and leak, causing handling issues.

 

[Vortecpwr]

your tire wear could be a combo of a few things.

1st being low tire pressure. I like running frt tires around 34-35 psi. it will keep the tire fatter while corning (off the outer edge). I think MB like to run their psi lower for a better ride. I will sacrifice a little bit of ride for longer tire life. also tire brand/tread plays a part in tire wear also.

2nd if the frt bushings have never been replaced like Rodney stated, they are due. they usually last 60-75k miles in my area before they start showing deep cracks or leaks.

3rd, if your align guy is not familiar with a MB align he can do more harm than good.

4th with 100k I will suspect your frt shocks/struts are getting weak. there are several good alternative shocks/struts out there vs stk ones.