Just tyre noise in an SLK? or a problem

[Paul Buck]

My wifes 230 SLK I find to have a noise like a transmission noise. Concerned I went to a large MB dealer in Basingstoke for advice. They said "its the tyres". (They are AVON tyres) The noise hasnt got any worst or better over the past couple of years, but cant believe that tyres could cause this much noise? I did replace my rear tyres on my CLK to Goodyear F1s recently and they are quieter.... So, questions are: Anyone found the SLK to have a lot of road noise in general, or could it be the AVON tyres, or transmission whine.?

 

[TheJim]

I can't speak from experience of an SLK, but my 190e was really noisey when I got it. I dropped the tyre pressures a little to see if that would eliminate the rumble. It did, and I could then hear the transmission whine, so I pumped them back up and walked away whistling.
It might be worth dropping the pressure in yours a little, if the noise changes- it's probably the tyres.

 

[SLinKyjoe]

mite be an idea to find one of them roads that have been freshly tarmaced. if the road noise dimishes reasonably well then it will be tyre noise. if not you should be able to separete the noise. both my SLK's displayed a reasonable noise level altho on the motorway it isnt intrusive. you can talk away at normal volume but the cars are not quiet. drove a c-class a few weeks back and was very impressed with the noise insulation. not quite as impressed with its road handling but then it isnt a sports car.

Or maybe you mite contact someone with a rolling road. that may expose the transmission noise. To be honest you may need to find an different place to get advice like a different garage or in independant. the dealer may just say road noise to fob you off. i think they should have at least looked around underneath to make sure.

 

[190]

Road noise

As Joe says try it on a different road surface, I notice a big difference when driving Along the road when you drive on top of the anti skid surface at pedestrian lights The road noise almost disappears.

 

[mlc]

We have a 230 SLK and whilst it is certainly true that you wouldnt buy the car for its low sound levels I have never thought that tyre noise is a problem. You can certainly have a conversation at normal volumes at any legal speed. The fact that you have lived with this for a couple of years suggests that nothing too terrible is going on, what has changed that makes you concerned now?

 

[Paul Buck]

Good ideas... will try them. I only really noticed recently as I dont use the car much, (only in the summer with the roof down!) just sounds a bit too much noise. Think I will try a few of the suggestions. Thanks guys.

 

[StuartHall]

Noisy tyres

Hi,
I have a Mondeo Zetec S TDCi that I use on a daily basis (I keep the SLK230 for weekends) I changed all four tyres on it about 9 months ago from the Continentals that were factory fitted to Avons and noticed an immediate increase in road noise, it was especially noticeable at low speed when driving around the housing estate roads. I have since replaced the two front tyres with Continentals and noticed a vast reduction in the road noise. So my suggesstion would be change tyre brands at the next available opportunity..

Stuart.

 

[SUE.]

Good ideas... will try them. I only really noticed recently as I dont use the car much, (only in the summer with the roof down!) just sounds a bit too much noise. Think I will try a few of the suggestions. Thanks guys.

I drive an SL500 and with the roof down you can here some road noise from the tyres,some roads are worse than others.
With the roof closed the car runs silent.

 

[jules335500]

tyre noise

I believe that you can write to tyre makers for technical info regarding tyre noise.types of tred pattern is the main course of noise and read somewhere road surfacing.No tyre will produce no road noise , it really depends on road surface.Cant remember where read this !!!!!!!!!!!!

Point of interest............my mate brought a new c 230 class with AMG sports kit as up grade.Car pulls to the left on different road surfaces and has caused him to hit the curb.Mercedes has been back to the tyre manufactures and they have said that the wrong size tyre and type have been fitted.These were supplied by merc.Found it to be a worrying subject but i believe merc have replaced the tyres but still wont fix the damaged wheel after clipping the curb.

 

[Andrew D]

Tyre noise

Hi,

I had a similar experience with Avon tyres, giving a noise from the rear a bit like a worn wheel bearing at times. Worse still they were poor in the wet, especially on tar bands. Changed to Pirelli - much quieter and the car stays pointing in the direction of travel.

 

[stwat]

I have Avons on my 190 and they are very noisey. I also get the sound, like a wheel bearing is worn. So i regreased them and tightened them up to spec and the noise is still there. So its defo the tyres IMHO

Stu