240D steering wheel creep - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

hangit · #1 10-22-2007, 05:37 PM

I wasn't sure what term to use, but my 83 240D steering wheel has moved from the centered position with wheels straight to a 10 degree off center position. The car was aligned 6 months ago, still tracks straight, no shimmy or apparent loose suspension parts. Any ideas? As always, thanks.

John

winmutt · #2 10-22-2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hangit

I wasn't sure what term to use, but my 83 240D steering wheel has moved from the centered position with wheels straight to a 10 degree off center position. The car was aligned 6 months ago, still tracks straight, no shimmy or apparent loose suspension parts. Any ideas? As always, thanks.

John

Who aligned it?

hangit · #3 10-22-2007, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmutt

Who aligned it?

A local shop, not much experience with MB's.

John

winmutt · #4 10-22-2007, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hangit

A local shop, not much experience with MB's.

John

That is your problem. MB have to be aligned by appropriately equipped shops or at the dealership. You have to have a spreader bar among other tools. I recommend the dealership, their coffee tends to be better

zeke · #5 10-22-2007, 06:19 PM

Anyone have experience with chains like brake check?
They say they can do it, and brake check has a $100 lifetime alignment deal where you pay $15 for the rest of your alignments.

winmutt · #6 10-22-2007, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeke

Anyone have experience with chains like brake check?
They say they can do it, and brake check has a $100 lifetime alignment deal where you pay $15 for the rest of your alignments.

Anyone can "do it". But they can't "do it" properly without the right tools.

sokoloff · #7 10-22-2007, 07:13 PM

In addition to the spreader bar already mentioned, the other "tool" needed is a modified bolt that screws into the steering box and locks the steering wheel in the center position while the alignment is being done. That way your wheel is perfectly centered when you're done. A lifetime alignment is not worth it to me if I have to go back every couple of months and pay for the privilege.

300SDog · #8 10-22-2007, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeke

Anyone have experience with chains like brake check?
They say they can do it, and brake check has a $100 lifetime alignment deal where you pay $15 for the rest of your alignments.

Les Schwab is the same way. What you get is toe-in adjustment, not camber and caster. Nevermind rear wheel alignment too. In fact what you get when done is computer print-out showing caster and camber aint been touched. LOL, they tried tellin me cast and camb werent adjustable on my car. Not happy with sloppy chain store alignment, I'll probly take it to dealership next week.

(edit: plus benefit of dealership I'm anticipating is complete run-down on suspension component wear on my 116, something none of the chains can offer.

hangit · #9 10-22-2007, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmutt

That is your problem. MB have to be aligned by appropriately equipped shops or at the dealership. You have to have a spreader bar among other tools. I recommend the dealership, their coffee tends to be better

Thanks. I guess I'll make an appointment when new tires are put on within the next few weeks.

John

zeke · #10 10-22-2007, 09:01 PM

how long does an alignment from a dealership last?

Assuming normal driving - no off-roading

viggen9 · #11 10-22-2007, 09:06 PM

Mine is the same way; the wheel is always about 10-15 degrees off center. If I release the wheel on a level road, it gently bends off in the direction that the wheel is turned, but definitely not the 10-15 degrees worth. It's the aesthetics of it that bugs me most. If I could just pop off the steering wheel, center it, and pop it back on, you'd barely notice an alignment need.

So, what does it cost for a proper 4-wheel alignment?

#12 10-22-2007, 09:11 PM

I think my local alignment place (recommended by my indy) charged me about $50-75 last time.

pawoSD · #13 10-22-2007, 09:15 PM

I paid about $120-130 for it to be done at the dealer in January. It seems to need it every couple years....so I'm not complaining at the cost. Its about an hour labor plus "shop supplies" and tax.

winmutt · #14 10-22-2007, 10:25 PM

$85 at the dealership for me, they even took my wife to the mall and picked her up when SHE was done (not just the car). She said it was the nicest customer services she has ever had related to a car. Then she let my 13yr old niece drive over the curb a week later. Let me tell ya, that AIN'T happening again.

Anyways the dealership will do their safety inspection and *SHOULD* even adjust your headlights. IIRC ours got a car wash too to top it off.

sphinx_57 · #15 10-23-2007, 07:03 AM

I have a lot of experince with alignments and the 83 actualy has alot of adjustments that you can make, I would recommend anyshop that has the wright tools to do it with a certifed mechanic, and a four wheel thrust alignment machine. BTW double check your tire pressure to make sure its not off, this could cause a pull or the steering wheel to be off a little when driving. Good luck!