My 2001 SLK 230 needs tires in the back but I noticed that they are wearing more in the inside. Is that normal? How often should I have the wheels aligned...The dealer quoted me about $180 us..
Any suggestions??

 

There's a good chance you have worn out tie-rods. I have a similar issue my 2001 SLK320. The mechanic told me it was not a danger to my handling but I would get excessive inner wear on my tires. I just replaced my tires. www.tirerack.com is an excellent place.

 

Thanks Ispyder.
Mine is only in the back tires. Were yours in the back as well?

 

It is normal due to the neg camber. Just get a tyre place tp swap tyres off rims left to right to put wear on the outside to even wear up.
Toe on rear is also adj but doesnt normally req unless youve bumped something.

Bazzle

 

Tire (Tyre) air presure is important too. I changed to a harder rubber tire and the cupping you mentioned is not as bad.

 

That sounds logical.
thanks bazzle.

 

Sounds like you may need a camber kit. If you are still having this issue, let me know and we may be able to provide you with a camber kit. We are a new sponsor here.

 

The first reaction is it's a camber issue and if youlowered the suspension, that's highly possible. But actually, more edge wear can be caused by poor toe-in/out adjustment. So if your tires are toed-out too far, you are dragging the inside edge as you drive. Either way, take it to a reputable alignment shop (my local MBdealer charges $79) that will give you a before/after report so you can see where the problems were if any. Also why they are aligning it they usually check for worn suspension parts that can affect alignment.

Why Bazzle has a great idea to rotate the tires side to side, this is impossible with most of the newer high performance tires as they are directional. If there's an arrow on your side wall, it's likely that the tires are directional. If they are not staggered, you can rotate front to back.

 

I think Bazzle was stating to remove the tires from the wheels and remount them on the opposite side. I have never been fond of this idea as this just gives more opportunity to wheels being nicked during dismount/remount. Just my opinion.

 

I'm new to the SLK but (as Baz said in his post), it's my understanding that both front and rear normally have negative camber (wheel tilted inward slightly at the top). This would put slightly more pressure onto the inside tread and cause more wear there. If this not correct, then I have a problem, because I can see negative camber on my rear wheels if I squat down and look along the side of the car from the rear.