Asymmetrical tyre wear

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Fri 23 Mar 2001 18:20
Asymmetrical tyre wear - Roger Jones
I've just had my MB 320 Coupé checked for uneven tyre wear on the front. With approximately 2mm outer edge, 3mm crown and 4mm inner edge on the outside tyre and slightly more tread but in the same proportions on the nearside, the asymmetrical wear pattern was deemed by the senior mechanic at the franchised local dealer to be characteristic of the model and well within tolerance limits. Fair enough, I suppose, but I was slightly surprised that only significantly more uneven wear would be considered to be a problem. Any opinions on this? Should I be thinking of a trip to Micheldever for a top-grade alignment check before I replace the tyres or am I fretting about nowt?
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Sat 24 Mar 2001 17:45
Re: Asymmetrical tyre wear - simon saxton

The front tyre wear asymmetry is characteristic on some models,due, Iam informed to steering geometry.The rear tyres wear in the centre,thus the requirement for periodic front to rear wheel changes as dictated in the servicing book.
I have experienced similar wear on two different models during the 1990s
running on 205/60 profiles.
You are of course wary of kerbing.

Regards
Simon
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Sat 24 Mar 2001 18:05
Re: Asymmetrical tyre wear - Roger Jones
Thanks, Simon. I have seen the comments in the driver's manual and was expecting symmetrical excess shoulder wear on the front, although the wording is ambiguous. It's the fact that it ain't symmetrical that keeps me wondering. I suspect that the previous owner (from new) didn't swap front and back. Indeed, the rear tyres are nearly new and the car hasn't done enough miles for them to be other than the first replacements. I guess I should relax, but make sure I remember to do the swap
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