Would you buy used GLC is knuckles not replaced? (Crabbing)
Discussion
Good morning all
Thinking of buying a used 2016 GLC Sport but after research regarding the dreaded crabbing issue I’m not sure what to do.
I know it effects larger wheels but you can see the design in the replacement knuckle why it has fixed the problem completely (not available on AMG 43/63)
It’s never been a recall, only for those customers within first 3 hrs of ownership who have shouted louder to Mercedes have had them replaced therefore majority haven’t had them done.
Question is, is Mercedes dealer says craning isn’t noticeable on their car but knuckles haven’t been replaced - would you buy it?
To add to the confusion, some dealers saying Mercedes used warranty will cover it and some saying it doesn’t
I just don’t want to buy one, then should crabbing issue occur, then have a battle with Mercedes to get it fixed. I’d rather buy one that’s had it done already, but most haven’t
Thinking of buying a used 2016 GLC Sport but after research regarding the dreaded crabbing issue I’m not sure what to do.
I know it effects larger wheels but you can see the design in the replacement knuckle why it has fixed the problem completely (not available on AMG 43/63)
It’s never been a recall, only for those customers within first 3 hrs of ownership who have shouted louder to Mercedes have had them replaced therefore majority haven’t had them done.
Question is, is Mercedes dealer says craning isn’t noticeable on their car but knuckles haven’t been replaced - would you buy it?
To add to the confusion, some dealers saying Mercedes used warranty will cover it and some saying it doesn’t
I just don’t want to buy one, then should crabbing issue occur, then have a battle with Mercedes to get it fixed. I’d rather buy one that’s had it done already, but most haven’t
Soir said:
To add to the confusion, some dealers saying Mercedes used warranty will cover it and some saying it doesn’t
I just don’t want to buy one, then should crabbing issue occur, then have a battle with Mercedes to get it fixed. I’d rather buy one that’s had it done already, but most haven’t
To remove any doubt why dont you get it officially confirmed by Mercedes if your warranty will cover the issue before you buy?I just don’t want to buy one, then should crabbing issue occur, then have a battle with Mercedes to get it fixed. I’d rather buy one that’s had it done already, but most haven’t
Bigger wheels and rigid low profile sidewalls are the issue.
The crabbing is magnified by the tyres fitted and different sidewall construction by the tyre manufacturers.
I found it to be a tyre issue with Pirellis causing the problem on 19'' wheels in late autumn / winter colder weather.
Horrendous.
Very slight with Continentals, vanished completely with Uniroyal rainsport tyres.
Brucey bonus also being Uniroyals were cheaper, as good in the dry and far, far better in the rain.
We then put Uniroyals all round on my young lads M3 which gave same dry grip but transformed wet handling.
The crabbing is magnified by the tyres fitted and different sidewall construction by the tyre manufacturers.
I found it to be a tyre issue with Pirellis causing the problem on 19'' wheels in late autumn / winter colder weather.
Horrendous.
Very slight with Continentals, vanished completely with Uniroyal rainsport tyres.
Brucey bonus also being Uniroyals were cheaper, as good in the dry and far, far better in the rain.
We then put Uniroyals all round on my young lads M3 which gave same dry grip but transformed wet handling.
Thanks for the replies. Just spoke to Mercedes HQ and they confirmed replacement knuckles not covered under used extended warranty
Said there was a recall on some models but flags no idea which ones they were.
I believe problem is more prominent with lager wheels
But just viewing the shape of the replacement knuckles is clear they should be fitted to all older GLC’s (they are fitted since 2018)
Said there was a recall on some models but flags no idea which ones they were.
I believe problem is more prominent with lager wheels
But just viewing the shape of the replacement knuckles is clear they should be fitted to all older GLC’s (they are fitted since 2018)
We have a September 2018 GLC and asked our local dealer about this as it suffered with the issue. They booked the car in for an assessment, after which they confirmed the front knuckles would need replacing with the revised parts. The work was completed a couple of weeks later which was the middle of last year now.
The car will still crab a little in very specific circumstances but it’s MUCH better than it was.
It was all very simple and efficient so I’m surprised people are still having an issue in getting dealers to complete the work.
My view is that affected cars should be recalled as low speed manoeuvring is severely impacted in a way which could be deemed unsafe as the front axel will understeer unexpectedly.
The car will still crab a little in very specific circumstances but it’s MUCH better than it was.
It was all very simple and efficient so I’m surprised people are still having an issue in getting dealers to complete the work.
My view is that affected cars should be recalled as low speed manoeuvring is severely impacted in a way which could be deemed unsafe as the front axel will understeer unexpectedly.
Gosh, this is strange. I remember the initial complaints, some very unhappy customers etc. and MB's insistence that there was nothing wrong; yet now there are revised parts available. I wonder why the manufacturer would produce/fit revised parts if there wasn't a problem. Surely they trust their original stance 
I wouldn't buy one; OP, you probably know the answer or you wouldn't ask. If you want one, go for a later one.
I wouldn't buy one; OP, you probably know the answer or you wouldn't ask. If you want one, go for a later one.
Thanks for the replies.
Sadly budget won’t afford a newer model. I think the car is excellent apart from this issue.
As someone suggested, I need to insist on a dealer relaxing them (if not already done) before purchase. But they are quoting £800 cost which comes off their mark-up and I’m frame of mind to get it for as low as possible anyway. Maybe meet them halfway? Agree on a (discounted) sale price then offer half of replacement cost £400
Sadly budget won’t afford a newer model. I think the car is excellent apart from this issue.
As someone suggested, I need to insist on a dealer relaxing them (if not already done) before purchase. But they are quoting £800 cost which comes off their mark-up and I’m frame of mind to get it for as low as possible anyway. Maybe meet them halfway? Agree on a (discounted) sale price then offer half of replacement cost £400
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