[rudeney]

I had my front tires replaced today. I used the same tire (Michelin Sport AS 3+). The old ones had around 25K on them and were at 4/32. I probably could have held out a bit longer, but the inside edge of the left tire was worn bald. I assumed I had an alignment issue, but they checked and said it's good. The mechanic suggested it could be due to low pressure but I check it regularly both via the TPMS reading and my own gauge. I am a bit perplexed about why this happened. I've not had a tire wear so unevenly like this without an alignment problem. Any thoughts?

 

[Triple cranks]

The alignment process is static. During driving things flex. Probably due for front end rebuild?

 

[Richrider]

I would have the bushings checked in the front end. MIne had to be replaced at around 70K miles and eight years old. The alignment also has a lot of negative camber, around minus ten degrees, which aides in handling, however this will contribute to wear on the inside of the tire. It took me a couple different shops to get the alignment correct. Since only the toe setting is adjustable technicians will try to compensate the toe to achieve a straight steering wheel or even pulling to one side. This can have a negative affect. I had the camber/caster kit installed so the camber and caster could be adjusted. I don't believe that the alignment service at a normal tire center may not have the expertise to understand what is necessary in a complicated front end such as in a SL. I assume the front tires that are wearing unevenly. Twenty five thousand miles is about average tire life, varies from 20 to 30K. Have those bushings checked.

 

[Dave3359]

I had my front tires replaced today. I used the same tire (Michelin Sport AS 3+). The old ones had around 25K on them and were at 4/32. I probably could have held out a bit longer, but the inside edge of the left tire was worn bald. I assumed I had an alignment issue, but they checked and said it's good. The mechanic suggested it could be due to low pressure but I check it regularly both via the TPMS reading and my own gauge. I am a bit perplexed about why this happened. I've not had a tire wear so unevenly like this without an alignment problem. Any thoughts?
i just had the exact same thing happen to me 4 weeks ago. I’m running the Michelin Pilot 4s ( best tires) both front tires were worn badly on the inside ( 20000 miles) so I installed 2 new tires ( had them road forced balance) and had my Indy check the front alignment ( I figured something was out of alignment) so after 20 minutes he takes me back to show me the car on the rack. And Proceeds to show and tell me the alignment was spot on and zero issues with the front end. This guy is the best works on Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes So he knows what he’s talking about he said it’s the nature of the car more positive camber in the front end He said 20000 miles was excellent

 

[Richrider]

Your Indy is correct the camber causes more wear. However, my experience with the Michelin tires was not the best. Great handling, but less life, 20K at best. Toward the end with 4/32 left I started to experience bump steer from the rear end. Since the tires were worn and I now needed four season tires I went with a softer sidewall and higher treadwear level, 300, Yokohama high perf all season tires. The bump steer disappeared and now at 15K there is still over 50% tread left. This tire was more suitable for everyday driving with no appreciable loss in handling on the street.

In at least the early SL models, mine is a 2005 the bushing wear is a know problem and should be checked. The 2011 model may have improved bushings, Easy to check as the cracked rubber is readily visible when the car is up on a rack.

 

[rudeney]

I'll check the bushings, but given how rock-solid the car drives, I doubt I'll find anything. I'm not too upset about the tires wearing at 25K - I'm used to that. The rears are worse and only get about 12K. It was only slightly better on my former CLK550. I am beginning to think that it is just a combination of the car's natural positive camber and my avoidance of left turns.

 

[Dave3359]

Your Indy is correct the camber causes more wear. However, my experience with the Michelin tires was not the best. Great handling, but less life, 20K at best. Toward the end with 4/32 left I started to experience bump steer from the rear end. Since the tires were worn and I now needed four season tires I went with a softer sidewall and higher treadwear level, 300, Yokohama high perf all season tires. The bump steer disappeared and now at 15K there is still over 50% tread left. This tire was more suitable for everyday driving with no appreciable loss in handling on the street.

In at least the early SL models, mine is a 2005 the bushing wear is a know problem and should be checked. The 2011 model may have improved bushings, Easy to check as the cracked rubber is readily visible when the car is up on a rack.

With my Michelins I easy had 15-20 thousand miles left on the tires other than the inside wear. And the rears are absolutely fine 22 thousand with perfect wear. With the amount that I drive the car I don’t mind replacing the tires every 4-5 years