Camber adjustment

[Howig]

Hi
Just wondered if anyone can help..?
Does anyone know if it possible to adjust the camber on my ML 350 bluetec 2012 W166.
I seem to be getting excessive tyre wear on the inner edges of both front tyres.

 

[Trickythemerc]

I would start with getting the tracking checked first. Four wheel alignment is the best bet, done correctly it will show all the geometry data and what adjustments are needed.

 

[Larkone]

Common issue with MB and best sorted by someone like Wheels in Motion. They sorted that same problem on my c219 by fitting 3 camber adjusting bolts and correctly setting the camber and castor to alleviate the problem. Getting the tracking adjusted to MB spec, as I found out expensively 3 times, does not fix the issue. Apparently MB used to fit adjustable camber bolts but then stopped but they are available to fit.

 

[Benz17]

Common issue with MB and best sorted by someone like Wheels in Motion. They sorted that same problem on my c219 by fitting 3 camber adjusting bolts and correctly setting the camber and castor to alleviate the problem. Getting the tracking adjusted to MB spec, as I found out expensively 3 times, does not fix the issue. Apparently MB used to fit adjustable camber bolts but then stopped but they are available to fit.

+1 for wheels in motion in Faversham, depending on where the OP is. I have always used them for my previous W211, and current W213, even though they are 1.5 hrs drive, but worth it, as they get it spot on, they definitely know their stuff.

 

[Larkone]

+1 for wheels in motion in Faversham, depending on where the OP is. I have always used them for my previous W211, and current W213, even though they are 1.5 hrs drive, but worth it, as they get it spot on, they definitely know their stuff.

I used the Amersham one and that is 1.5hrs drive for me but totally worth compared to paying for a standard tracking setup which doesn't fix the problem.

 

[markjay]

I used Wheels In-Motion (now Blackboots) for 20 years, they are great, sadly founder Tony Bones passed away recently, he was a great guy. The firm he built is still going strong and still the best in the business - highly recommended.

 

[Benz17]

I used the Amersham one and that is 1.5hrs drive for me but totally worth compared to paying for a standard tracking setup which doesn't fix the problem

I used the Amersham one and that is 1.5hrs drive for me but totally worth compared to paying for a standard tracking setup which doesn't fix the problem.

Sorry meant in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, Tony who has sadly passed away, who was an expert in this field, joe I think his name is, has now taken over the batton, who is also very capable.

 

[Stratman]

I had my W203 done at WIM Chesham to cure pulling to the left, and keep the alignment printout in the glovebox to show to wherever I have the tracking done again. I should imagine it will take some persuading as some of the wheels are in the red for various adjustments!

Incidentally, pulling left is very common on MBs. After my visit to WIM it tracks straight and true with even wear across the tyre width.

 

[Petrol Pete]

Hello and welcome Howig . How long have you had the car , has it always worn the tyres like this , have you had work done in that area recently. ?

Not sure if the ML has this set up but this is how front camber is adjusted on many RWD Mercedes Benz. If the tie rod arms have been replaced its possible they might not have put the bolts back in the correct 'slot' . There are 3 options each resulting in a different degree of camber.

 

[Stratman]

When those slotted bolts are fitted, and even if you're not sure, it's imperative that when undoing them the bolt head is held still and only the nut is rotated. If the bolt is turned the little projections that locate in the slots will be destroyed.

 

[Petrol Pete]

As an aside , when I replaced the control arms on my C55 the original bolts were not slotted so could only go back in the central position. Nice = no confusion.

 

[JHS]

These guys have a top notch reputation.

Car Suspension Tuning Specialists | Center Gravity

At Center Gravity, we are renowned for our car geometry and chassis tuning work on Porsche, as well as a wide range of other sports and prestige cars.

centergravity.co.uk

 

[W1ghty]

Thread resurrection here !
Does anyone have a link or part numbers for these W211 camber bolts. It might save a few quid over their £30+vat price
I might buy some in advance before driving to WIM later in the summer .