W203 Front Wheel alignment - Weighted???

[dc1701]

Guys - need some tech help!!

Just had my a new offside track rod end fitted to my W203 53 plate, unfortnatly the steering wheel doen't quite sit centred, prob 1/4 of a 1/4 turn off to the right, car runs straight, but runs off to the left when wheel is straight. Tried to get the tracking done but places say nope sorry main dealer, the cars got to be weighted?

Merc inform that they do the wheel aligment at; wait for it £140 +vat.....!!!!! The track rod was only £15 !

I'm hoping someone will have some techical answers to assist.

Cheers, Del

 

[Frank O' Phile]

You will be damn lucky if you get it right using DIY.

Look for local outlet (wheels and tyre suppliers etc) who use 4 wheel laser alignment.

Got mine done last year at a cost of approx 60- 80.

 

[whitenemesis]

Who fitted the new track rod end? Surely they should ensure correct alignment after the job was done. Take it back to them to get it done, or if they can't doing it, get MB to do it and pass on the invoice to them.

 

[nigel cross]

Who fitted the new track rod end? Surely they should ensure correct alignment after the job was done. Take it back to them to get it done, or if they can't doing it, get MB to do it and pass on the invoice to them.

In the ideal world, that you be nice, but surely you discussed the work that had to be done before it was done.
Any competant laser tracker will do this for you.

 

[c240yaz]

If you change a track rod end, or any other front suspension component, front wheel alignment is mandatory.

It only takes half a thread turn difference on the refit on the track rod end to knock out your alignment

Take it back, but that may be pointless if the garage who done the repair does not have an alignment jig.

There is no need for four wheel alignment by laser or other, if front end only disturbed, only front alignment is necessarry.

Kwick fit, bad at a lot of things, but not bad at this (dependent on the fitter) are in my opinion OK at this, and if you are not happy with the result, you can take it back to them, at no extra cost, they will get it correct, one way or the other

Insist on steering wheel centralisation, or the "Can't get better than a Kwikfit Fitter" may miss this from his concentration.

 

[Bazzle]

Weighted means they put a rod across front wheels to take up the compression in the rear of front lower arms. This means if you measure toe normally it will be more in than you would expect.
Im guessing they have no idea of other methods to align and just fobbed you off.
If you get stuck with this I have done the following.
Knowing where the steering wheel was before changing parts adj the replaced part 1/4 turn at a time until wheel is back to centre again.
Some may not like this method but its worked for me for 35 years or so.

Bazzle

 

[c240yaz]

Weighted means they put a rod across front wheels to take up the compression in the rear of front lower arms. This means if you measure toe normally it will be more in than you would expect.
Im guessing they have no idea of other methods to align and just fobbed you off.
If you get stuck with this I have done the following.
Knowing where the steering wheel was before changing parts adj the replaced part 1/4 turn at a time until wheel is back to centre again.
Some may not like this method but its worked for me for 35 years or so.

Bazzle

I have also used this method. I am also probably one of the worst culprits for not getting my alignment carried out accurately. (no spare cash)

I do have access to HGV equipment, but it's not accurate enough for a car.

 

[Rory]

Weighted means they put a rod across front wheels to take up the compression in the rear of front lower arms. This means if you measure toe normally it will be more in than you would expect.

In following many threads about MB's drifting (as mine does) I've never seen that explanation before!

I have seen posts where people talk about literally putting weights (ie heavy things) in the car. Having the fuel level within a certain range (again to do with its weight) is also important too, it would seem.

 

[Dieselman]

You are correct, the car is meant to be at kerb weight including full tank of fuel and weight of the driver. Bazzle is referring to use of a spreader bar.

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
Does this procedure apply to the w202 as well?

 

[Rory]

Bazzle is referring to use of a spreader bar.

Thanks - it's an interesting thought though. Does that concept explain why my W203 definitely feels better at high speed? In fact I drove in streaming wet conditions on the M6 Toll a while ago and the car seemed imperious - I wondered if that was due to the extra load on the front tyres caused by surface water.

 

[Mark300SL]

Surley a spreader bar shouldnt have any effect unless the suspension is worn? IMO they tend to be a compromise for worn components and the MB propensity to wear out front ball joints.
Every car i have ever worked on that supposedly needs a spreader bar doesnt actually need one unless things are worn!

I have never worked for an MB dealer, however I reckon the cars with adjustable ride height will be the hardest to get right, and it wouldnt surprise me to find there are special tools to get those vehicles right.