W210 pulling left

[mark little]

My 1997 e230 is pulling severly to the left.

Background:

Over the 2 years i have owned it, I have replaced the anti roll bar bushes, and the front drop links due to knocks and thumps when driving over poor surfaces and speed ramps. The steering was fine until recently (over christmas).

I went to fast fit (which is my local tyre and alignment service) and they claim they realigned the 4 wheels. After that the steering wheel was off centre and the steering felt very woolly.

I then went to an alignment specialist, which is a fair distance away and he reckoned the tie/tracking rod was seized, however it was late in the day and he realigned the tracking and the steering felt much tighter and precise, however its still pulling to the left.

Has anyone had to replace the tracking/tie rods on their w210 or similar merc's?

Looking forward to your replies!

 

[micosavo]

Hey Mark,

I am having the exact some problem as you are having, although not as severely. My W210 is a 320 also. It pulls to the left, but I have not replaced any of my tracking/tie rods.

I am hoping to avoid. The last time I went to have my car track the same thing happened as you mention above, the steering wheel was off-centre and the steering did not feel as good.

The car is due a service soon so I will get the stearlership to check it

 

[twice]

I was told by my local indy, that I should always have the tracking done by one of the stealers. Although it is not cheap, they know how to the do the 4 wheel alignment properly.

Depending on the tyre type my W202 also seems to be chamber sensitive.

 

[Dieselman]

Get the rear wheel alaignment checked and set before the front is set. The rear setup has a large effect on the drifting to the left.