Free Full Geometry Testing

[Deleted member 2227]

I recently had to change a track rod end and therefore wanted my tracking readjusted. I have always got my tracking done at STS Rainham in Kent in the past and so went back there today. Well STS has been taken over by Tyre Pro and instead of the traditional laser tracking machine they now have a £50,000 Corghi Exact Blacktech geometry machine. Did I want a full FREE geometry test done? You bet I did because MB charge about £160 for the same without adjusting anything. The machine is fantastic and measures using the gantry of lenses and lasers you can see in the pictures.

The Data Summary screen below shows my car before any work was done. I have to admit it no longer handled with quite the verve it did when it was new


The second picture shows my car to be a very straight non crab or banana car!

The third one shows the gantry and the wheel screens.

 

[Deleted member 2227]

They then asked if I wanted my car set up which required adjustments front and back and I gave the OK. The first phot shows all four wheels being done the second the rear axle screen and the third the before and after results.

 

[Deleted member 2227]

After they had set the car up they asked me if I would like the air in the tyres replaced with nitrogen (separate discussion required) and they then set my tyre pressures having filled the tyres with nitrogen.

The best bit:

The Geometry Test is free! The Nitrogen in the tyres and refills are free! The adjustments to my geometry cost £57. Result a car that handles like it did when it was new. No vagueness, pulling etc just nice direct proper steering and handling.

This job was not a special deal for me and anyone who wants the free geometry test, or the free nitrogen should ring Andy at Tyre Pro on 01634 360928 and asked to be booked in. Mention the forum and he'll talk to the boss and see if MB owners can have a deal on adjustments to (it won't help me but it might help you.)

Hope this helps. I'm one happy bunny!

PS. Thanks to Andy the Asst Manager and Charles the technician for their help and explanations this morning

 

[Sp!ke]

Sounds like a really good deal.

Your car isnt left hand drive though is it?

 

[Druk]

I'm gonna need this done next week after replacing the tiebars and trackrodends. I've discovered that a 'spreader bar' may be required to preload the front track before adjustment. Do you know if this item was used in your job?


Quote from BenzWorld.....

" I don’t know all the technical jargon so I’ll just quote my MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class Owners Bible – “When setting front end alignment, a spreader bar must be used when adjusting the toe. This is a spring loaded bar that forces the front wheels apart with 90 – 110 Nm (66 – 81 ft-lb) of force. The use of a spreader bar allows the alignment to duplicate driving conditions by preloading the rubber bushings in the suspension. The use of a spreader bar is the only way to get an accurate front end alignment”


.

 

[Deleted member 2227]

I'm gonna need this done next week after replacing the tiebars and trackrodends. I've discovered that a 'spreader bar' may be required to preload the front track before adjustment. Do you know if this item was used in your case?

No I didn't hear spreader bar mentioned for my car. (And Spike they didn't swap the steering wheel over for either )

 

[Sp!ke]

I just wondered if the geometry would be slightly different between LHD and RHD.

 

[Deleted member 2227]

I just wondered if the geometry would be slightly different between LHD and RHD.

If you look at the printout the databank has the settings and tolerances for both sides of the car. Fortunately, the settings are the same so it's not a problem. Were you going by the icon showing the steering wheel on the left, if so I think that is the same icon whatever side the wheel is on. I am delighted with the feel of the car, no more bumping up kerbs now!!

 

[Rory]

The car is also supposed to be weighted, isn't it?

 

[Deleted member 2227]

The car is also supposed to be weighted, isn't it?

apparently not given the car has to be that far up in the air

 

[C240Sport97]

machine looks very similar to the one in wheels-in-motion where I got my E230 210 estate done after the front lower suspension arms (bushes knackered), front shock absorbers and the rear sub frame mounts were changed.

WIM charged £60.

 

[Druk]

The car is also supposed to be weighted, isn't it?

Explain this please?

 

[Deleted member 2227]

Explain this please?

Maybe a racing car with an identical load but my car carrys either just me or four adults, so on that basis it would always be set up wrong. I'm delighted with how it feels.

 

[Rory]

Explain this please?

They literally put weights in the car to simulate the car's normal operating load.

The only place I've ever heard of actually doing that was somewhere in Leeds mentioned on either this, or the other, forum.

 

[wheels-inmotion]

They literally put weights in the car to simulate the car's normal operating load.

The only place I've ever heard of actually doing that was somewhere in Leeds mentioned on either this, or the other, forum.

The MB doesn't require weights to be added..... I'm curious they didn't correct the nsf Castor angle?

 

[Deleted member 2227]

Wheels-in-motion. I guess this is your "thing". What do you make of the kit they use and the deal I got?

 

[BlackC55]

That castor angle is quite a bit out and so are the rear camber angles.

I don't think they did quite the complete job you think they did.

The rear camber is not adjustable either on the 203 so maybe somthing is bent?

 

[Deleted member 2227]

That castor angle is quite a bit out and so are the rear camber angles.

I don't think they did quite the complete job you think they did.

The rear camber is not adjustable either on the 203 so maybe somthing is bent?

Hmm, they felt that the car was good and that it was near enough to what they usually see on w203s. I asked an MB friend and he felt that the castor angle was OK. Tyre Pro said that castor angle wouldn't effect tyrewear. I can only go by the seat of the bum test-it feels a lot better- and lets face it all it has to do is troll up and down motorways not tackle Spa!

 

[BlackC55]

Castor WILL effect tyre wear. Any incorrect geometry will. More importantly it will effect the "pull" to the left and right.

Im not saying the car will not "feel" good. Maybe a placebo effect? lol

 

[markmifsud]

. Maybe a placebo effect? lol

Strange thing that, my car drives and handles a lot better after a valet