<$100 spreader bar - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 07-07-2019, 07:53 AM

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:

97 SL320 · #2 07-07-2019, 08:37 AM

Specialty products make piles of alignment tools and adjusters for non adjustable suspensions.

Sugar Bear · #3 07-07-2019, 10:05 AM

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!!!

JHZR2 · #4 07-07-2019, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugar Bear

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!!!

FWIW.

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.

vwnate1 · #5 07-07-2019, 11:43 AM

Nice, thank you for sharing this .

Clemson88 · #6 07-07-2019, 12:37 PM

It might be cheaper to buy one than pay a dealership a ton of money to have one without them using it.

barry12345 · #7 07-07-2019, 01:33 PM

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.

Clemson88 · #8 07-07-2019, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry12345

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.

I rebuilt my steering gear and replaced a couple steering components so I was planning on hauling the car to the dealer for one of MB's $200 alignments.

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.

JHZR2 · #9 07-07-2019, 02:50 PM

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.

Clemson88 · #10 07-07-2019, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHZR2

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.

Had you said that in the OP I would already have ordered it.

barry12345 · #11 07-07-2019, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHZR2

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.

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.

Diesel911 · #12 07-07-2019, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHZR2

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:

When I saw that the part number on the instructions was different then the part number on the box I got curious to see if you could find it with that part number WA0198.

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

Sugar Bear · #13 07-07-2019, 07:04 PM

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!!!

Diesel911 · #14 07-07-2019, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugar Bear

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!!!

There is some pics in post #4 of the steering box centering pin; Hazet one and homemade one.
Steering binds up at 8 degrees caster

JHZR2 · #15 07-07-2019, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry12345

Personally I will check the end play of the front bearings before taking any 123 in for alignment. Takes a dial gauge.

Yup. Just re-did mine with MB green grease due to sticking calipers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugar Bear

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!!!

Well I have gotten as far as acquiring the correct
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!