Front Tyres Dragging / Skipping

[grendawkin]

When slowly reversing my 1998 C200 Sport on full lock, the front tyres seem to be dragging along the road surface rather than following the direction of the Wheel.
The same is true when moving forward but less so.
Is this a problem, my local tyre dealer tells me all is OK, it is just caused by the good steering lock on the Car.

 

[mlc]

I dont have experience of your model, but I think the explantion is good. The inner tyre is the most likely one to be dragging as it is on a tighter lock. The only workaround is to not use full lock unless it is essential.

Mark.

 

[LNM]

Both mine behave oddly when on full lock as did the 940 I had which was even worse. The 190 rubs the mudflaps too. Might take them off.

 

[jberks]

it is a feature of the excellent lock mercs have. Mine tends to rip up the drain grate just in front of the garage as I manouver in each night (tight ange to squeaze past the wifes motor).
That said, this is why mercs are such a doddle to park. Its always funny watching the looks on the faces of jap car drivers as I do a u turn outside the local pizza shop, full lock and round in one. My car is far bigger than theirs and they have to do a 3/4 pointer.

 

[tom7035]

Can't change direction with a '4-pointer' jberks! - Has to be 3/5!
Don't mean to be serious, just a giggle!
Cheers, Tom.

 

[mlc]

Good point Tom - well spotted. I suppose what we are saying is the RWD allows a tighter lock rather than that MB's are wonderful. I suspect that the same is true of Beemers (sorry not really comparing, honest!).

Some of us oldies will remember that when front wheel drive first started to appear they had huge turning circles, and although its got better they are still worse than rear wheel drive.

As an aside my children tell me its not a three point turn, its a turn in the road using forward and reverse gear!!!

Mark.

 

[jberks]

ok Tom you got me. Didn't have my pedantic filter on.

I'd forgotten the front wheel drive issue - its true the CV joint is going to limit turning angle, but that said, Mercs (and Volvos if I remember right) always seemed to have better turning circles than other stuff, even rear wheel drive. Maybe its the taxi connection.

 

[tom7035]

Your kids are absolutely correct mlc, on test a candidate is asked only to turn around in the road in this manner and to try not to strike the kerbs. (Not necessarily in three 'cuts').