Help Tyre query
- Thread starter seanburns
- Start date
45Kevin
Well-known member
On the 4x4 you need the same size tires or else you will damage your drivetrain.
On 2x4s it not damaging to the drivetrain but will affect the handling if the tires are different sizes.
There is only 1" difference in height between the two tires sizes you mention, so even if you put the spare on the frond the handling will not be affected too much.
On 2x4s it not damaging to the drivetrain but will affect the handling if the tires are different sizes.
There is only 1" difference in height between the two tires sizes you mention, so even if you put the spare on the frond the handling will not be affected too much.
sailquik
Well-known member
seanburns:
On a Sprinter, one must always remember that there is a wheel speed sensor on each
wheel and that sensors have input into the onboard control systems.
If there is a large enough discrepancy between the outside diameters of the tires, this
discrepancy will be transmitted to the control systems and may result in a brake fault
light on the dash control panel.
Might get you just a light, but could lead to some larger issue if the onboard computer
systems have been programmed for a specific "out of tolerance" and the tire size discrepancy is larger than that tolerance.
As you are asking about tyres (tires) my guess is that you may be from other than the
US, which may or may not be in your favor here as the programing of control systems
and safety systems varies from country to country with the regulations and specifications
for Sprinter size vehicles in that specific country.
Hope this helps,
Roger
On a Sprinter, one must always remember that there is a wheel speed sensor on each
wheel and that sensors have input into the onboard control systems.
If there is a large enough discrepancy between the outside diameters of the tires, this
discrepancy will be transmitted to the control systems and may result in a brake fault
light on the dash control panel.
Might get you just a light, but could lead to some larger issue if the onboard computer
systems have been programmed for a specific "out of tolerance" and the tire size discrepancy is larger than that tolerance.
As you are asking about tyres (tires) my guess is that you may be from other than the
US, which may or may not be in your favor here as the programing of control systems
and safety systems varies from country to country with the regulations and specifications
for Sprinter size vehicles in that specific country.
Hope this helps,
Roger
Thanks It is a AWD but in the event of a puncture could I use 2WD til I got to a garage?
45Kevin
Well-known member
I don't know what year or model you have, but North American spec 4x4 (AWD) Sprinters cannot have different sized tires and cannot be operated in a 2WD only mode. Well, they do have a 4x4 switch, which presumable does something, but even in 2WD mode MB says the Sprinter can not be flat towed or towed with the front lifted off the ground. It must be put on a flat deck. So it seems the front and rear axles are never truly entirely separated.
Cheyenne
UK 2004 T1N 313CDi
Welcome from a fellow Brit!!! (There are a few of us here along with many from the other side of the pond).
PS And what year/model is your Sprinter?
Keith.
BrennWagon
He’s just this guy, you know?
While it’s definitely not recommended, you should and would be able to limp with the smaller tire. Unless you have limited slip differentials there’s no way that off sized tires would damage anything. Open differentials front, center, and rear allow all 4 wheels to turn at variable rates. It’s true that MB says not to flat tow automatic transmission Sprinters of any year and drive configuration, but that’s due to transmission overheating issues without the trans pump activated. The only issues you’d run into would be the van sitting wonky, and the ABS system screaming at you. That said, I’d modify your tire carrier and get a matched sized tire. It’s a lot better to be able to change out a flat and just keep going like nothing happened as opposed to having to immediately find a tire shop and putting a crimp in your plans.
Ye agree totally. modify it is. Ta Sean