Tracking, Castor and Camber

[jonnyc]

E300TD 1999 W210.

I've just bought new tyres for the front axle.
The tread on both original front tyres is Wearing out on the inside edge (nearest the engine bay).
The tracking has been checked and is OK.
Can the castor and camber be adjusted to stop this pattern of tyre wear?
Can I buy adjustable bolts (not fitted on this car) and how much?
What's a geometry check?

My mechanic friend says a proper setup - tracking, caster and camber - would set me back £45.
He said "It's better than wasting £30 on having just the tracking checked!"

Also, the shoulders of these tyres has worn more than the rest (there is 6mm in the central part).
Should I inflate the tyres to a higher PSI to get an even pattern of wear?
They are 29psi front and 32 psi rear.
The car never carries much weight -just me- and I drive like a grey-head.


Thanks

Jonathan

PS would anyone like to explain castor, I can guess at camber.

 

[Dieselman]

It sounds like you MAY have a problem.

What version of car do you have, if it's not Avantgarde then it may just be a charecteristic of the soft ride and too many corners.

Definately have a proper 4 wheel allignment performed as even rear settings can affect all four tyres.

Castor is the angle that the wheel leads the vertical position. Think of it as a pedal cycle with curved front forks. The wheel is advanced of the steering axis to create a centering effect more castor gives more self centering.
As long as both castor settings are the same then that isn't the problem.

Your problem will be either toe or camber or too much use of the power steering.

 

[rees_A]

Mine had same problem, was caused by worn Drag Link, I had it replaced with the steering damper and then had 4 wheel alignment done. Not sure if your car will be the same problem....

 

[Dieselman]

Mine had same problem, was caused by worn Drag Link, I had it replaced with the steering damper and then had 4 wheel alignment done. Not sure if your car will be the same problem....

Rack and pinnion steering so no draglink.

 

[W210 Fan]

I always get a wheel alignment done when I get a new car and this merc has been no exception, yes its £45 but thats nothing when the tyres last forever as they should do. A proper 4 wheel setup is necessary on a w210 as the rear is adjustable and the rear can put the front out etc, believe me I setup race cars and I knew mine was out when I got it. A small error can make the car feel very sorry, twitchy, sloppy, unstable, track, tramp, basiclly not feel likek merc. I use Merityre as they are the nearest 4 wheel alignment centre but be careful, Mb send all their cars there and charge some on top, just cut out the dealer and go to a specialist.

 

[PJH]

PS would anyone like to explain castor, I can guess at camber.

http://www.whiteline.com.au/default.asp?page=/faqsusp01.htm