I need an alignment on my '82 300TD. I just replaced the front lower ball joints, LCA bushings, UCAs, guide rod mounts, and cut 1.5 coils off of my springs. I've been reading all day about people's experiences with alignment shops, spreader bars, laser alignment racks, etc.

Honestly, I don't care if it's done with a tape measure or with HAL9000. I just want it done by a guy that knows how to do w123s. I'm in San Carlos, which is in the peninsula. Does anyone know of a shop near me that knows these old Benzes and can do it right?

I called Autobahn Motors in Belmont and they quoted me $220. The shop I use for my other cars charges $80, but he doesn't have a laser machine or spreader bar so I doubt he'd do it right. If I can't find any other place, I'm going to the dealer, but it's worth asking here first. Plus, I like supporting small(er) businesses.

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'82 300TD
'77 6.9
'75 280S
'74 280
'87 Porsche 944 turbo

I use Jim Moore here in Santa Cruz. He is just off Capitola Rd. on 7th ave, works from his home. has all the alignment equipment built in his garage.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

The 300D needs work too. How do we get in touch with Jim?

Sixto
87 300D

I did a Google search.

More Service in Santa_Cruz, CA - near Capitola Rd,grey Seal Rd | Auto Services | Justdial US

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

I'll have to check out Jim Moore next time. But for this time, I can't drive 50 miles. I hesitate to even get on the freeway without first having it aligned, so I was hoping for a place within like 10 miles so I could take the streets.

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'82 300TD
'77 6.9
'75 280S
'74 280
'87 Porsche 944 turbo

Your google is better than mine. I came up with an assistant dean of admissions for UCSC, a lawyer and an insurance salesman. But thanks!

Sixto
87 300D

He is pretty busy in his shop, didn`t know he had time for that too.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

I talked to my usual alignment guy, and it turns out he's familiar with older Benzes. He says he has a customer with a few SDs, and has done other 70s/80s Benzes. So I decided to leave it with him and see how well he does!

__________________
'82 300TD
'77 6.9
'75 280S
'74 280
'87 Porsche 944 turbo

Speaking of alignment, anyone have the dimensions of this spreader bar that is "required" in MB alignment. I am believing its just a spring loaded contraption with rubber cushions on the sides.

A print out of the correct chassis spec and this bar would enable a good alignment shop to get it correct. I know a shop that has a Hunter laser alignment machine, the owner told me that he could get it to near perfect but ideally if I could get the steering lock screw and the spread bar - the car would be dead on accurate.

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2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

on older japanese mazdas and toyotas with similar steering boxes and adjustments, I recall seeing an alignment guy do an alignment on a mazda RX5 (not in the US)

He had a tool with a large screw type thing in the middle, it was a large bar that pushed on the front tires, it was set by turning that large screw apparatus and had a scales and spring sandwiched between one wheel, He would crank it till it read to his satisfaction on the scales and he would then get to work.

His alignment apparatus was very primitive, it had mirrors and forks that actually clamped onto the lug bolts.. btw he was quite famous for spot on alignments.

Im wondering if its just a bar that applies load, why not use that technique.

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2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

I'm sure that would work. I read the W126 manual, and it says you need to set the toe-in to 0 degrees 40 minutes, or 0.6667 degrees in, and then insert the spreader bar to apply 90-110 N of force (about 23 pounds force), and then adjust it to the goal value which is 0 degrees +10' or -20', which is -0.3333 to +.1667 degrees.

I read a post by Army, who wrote the DIY for home alignment, where he suggested that if someone measured the toe-in without the spreader bar after having an alignment done with the spreader bar, then that value (like 2 degrees in, for example) could be used for getting alignments without the spreader.



I got my car back yesterday and the car feels good. I'll have to wait a few thousand miles to see if the tires wear evenly. If anyone wants to use the shop, it's Bridges wheel and tire in Burlingame. Ask for Tim.

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'82 300TD
'77 6.9
'75 280S
'74 280
'87 Porsche 944 turbo