|
|
|
#1
|
||||
|
||||
<$100 spreader bar
TBH, didn’t know too much about spreader bars except that the FSM recommended them. I have a good shop that does a good job of listening to my wishes. They don’t have a bar but will heed the fsm at my request.
I searched and wouldn’t you know, Amazon popped up with a bar for 116 and 123 cars, $93 on Prime. I decided to buy one. Not a lot to it or it’s use. It’s easy to bring to a shop (if they’ll use it). Spring loaded on one side, extendable on the other. Easy to break down and leave in the trunk. Broken down with foot length (my foot is longer than 12”) for reference:
__________________
Current Diesels: 1981 240D (73K) 1982 300CD (169k) 1985 190D (169k) 1991 350SD (113k) 1991 350SD (206k) 1991 300D (228k) 1993 300SD (291k) 1993 300D 2.5T (338k) 1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k) 1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k) Past Diesels: 1983 300D (228K) 1985 300D (233K) Last edited by JHZR2; 07-07-2019 at 08:14 AM. |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Specialty products make piles of alignment tools and adjusters for non adjustable suspensions.
|
#3
|
|||
|
|||
It would be interesting to know the measured difference between it being used vs. not being used. Does it go in front of the front wheels pushing them outward?
Good luck!!!
__________________
"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
https://youtu.be/CGhjSYsOWv4 FSM mandates it. I’ve had good alignments without it, and I don’t have any definite info that even dealers truly use it. But for something that takes no space, gets the correct job done, and let’s me effectively use any alignment shop I choose.
__________________
Current Diesels: 1981 240D (73K) 1982 300CD (169k) 1985 190D (169k) 1991 350SD (113k) 1991 350SD (206k) 1991 300D (228k) 1993 300SD (291k) 1993 300D 2.5T (338k) 1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k) 1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k) Past Diesels: 1983 300D (228K) 1985 300D (233K) |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
Nice, thank you for sharing this .
__________________
-Nate 1982 240D 408,XXX miles Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Does anyone make this for the w126 models?
It might be cheaper to buy one than pay a dealership a ton of money to have one without them using it.
__________________
84 300SD 85 380SE 83 528e 95 318ic |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
I thought there was an electrical hookup to the alignment machine to verify the bar was being used. My experience was the local machines all except one would not post the alignment program unless the machine sensed the bar was present.
One older machine worked without the bar but has since been replaced. So there is nowhere local I could get an alignment now. All the bar is going to do is take out any slack in the steering control system anywhere I suspect. If nothing Is worn and the front wheel bearings are set up properly. It may in practice be doing nothing. Where at the same time with some amount of combined movement available with wear. It should have an effect. Or more of an effect in my opinion. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
I appreciate that contribution to the subject.
Quote:
I've had people refuse to do the alignment so I refused to buy tires from them. I can find someone who will align the front end on my car without stressing over the spreader bar now. I always let them know they are only responsible for the work they do and I'll continue to be responsible for them not using the spreader bar.
__________________
84 300SD 85 380SE 83 528e 95 318ic |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
Finding folks who will align without the bar is straightforward for w123 and w126 cars. Knowing that it’s truly correct to the FSM for a mere $100, given that I could get the item in one day and for it in my trunk... is worthwhile to me.
__________________
Current Diesels: 1981 240D (73K) 1982 300CD (169k) 1985 190D (169k) 1991 350SD (113k) 1991 350SD (206k) 1991 300D (228k) 1993 300SD (291k) 1993 300D 2.5T (338k) 1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k) 1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k) Past Diesels: 1983 300D (228K) 1985 300D (233K) |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Are you saying the bar you showed works for the w126?
Had you said that in the OP I would already have ordered it.
__________________
84 300SD 85 380SE 83 528e 95 318ic |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
You are better off with the preload bar. No doubt about that. More peace of mind. Personally I will check the end play of the front bearings before taking any 123 in for alignment. Takes a dial gauge. Modern alignment equipment got really good. Then manufactures eliminated easy adjustments to many of their cars. Mercedes 123s fortunately have a really fully adjustment system. |
#12
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
I did an eBay search "WA0918 Wheel Spreader" Bar and several sellers on eBay with on at 89.54 with free shipping and free returns. Also there is a "WHEEL-A-MATIC, LLC WHEEL SPREADER" for $71.75 free shipping that oddly has the part number of WMWA0918 but there is no picture of the item in their ad. Free shipping
__________________
84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
To the OP, since you are trying to get the alignments "spot on" are you using a steering box centering pin? I have not used one but it seems as though it would get the steering wheel centered easily right at the start.
Thanks for the link on the spreader bar! Good luck!!!
__________________
"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer |
#14
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Steering binds up at 8 degrees caster
__________________
84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel |
#15
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Quote:
m8x1.0 boot which I’ll grind down to lock the box. One thing at a time, I just don’t have enough hours in the day!
__________________
Current Diesels: 1981 240D (73K) 1982 300CD (169k) 1985 190D (169k) 1991 350SD (113k) 1991 350SD (206k) 1991 300D (228k) 1993 300SD (291k) 1993 300D 2.5T (338k) 1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k) 1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k) Past Diesels: 1983 300D (228K) 1985 300D (233K) |
Bookmarks |
|
|