500E needs steering damper and drag link? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tom woolner · #1 10-22-2002, 08:58 PM

Took the 500E to a new (to me) tire shop recommended by my tech for a front and rear alignment - my tech said my tires were feathering. They told me that I needed a new steering damper and a drag link, that my tires had 1/4 inch cupping on the inside rims, that I needed four new tires.
When I bought the car 10,000 mies ago, and had it up on the rack, I noticed a neew steering damper. This place said that due to the 245 by 17 tires, that it could conceivably wear out in this short of time. I'm a bit skeptical. what do you guys think?
I am not looking forward to buying 4 new tires.

Tom

Michael · #2 10-23-2002, 07:10 AM

Huh? Funny, I run a LOT of negative camber front & rear (-1.6 F, -2.0 R) and my tires are wearing fine! Methinks your alignment is whacked...how I would proceed:
1.) Inspect steering damper - unhook one end and cycle the thing-does it offer resistance? If not, replace it (but it wasn't your problem)
2.) Inspect/replace drag link - But I'd bw quite surprised if it's gone
3.) Get a proper alignment! Go to a dealer - rarely do alignment shops have the right data for a 500E
4.) Have tires dismounted, and re-mount them with the insides out - that should get you some add'l life out of your sneakers

Good luck!

rainmaker · #3 10-23-2002, 07:15 AM

<>

True dat!

I went to an alignment shop and they couldn't figure out why my alignment specs were so out of whack. Apparently, they were trying to use the numbers for an E320 or something. I fiddled with their computer until I found the numbers for the 500E. It was a different entry on the menu altogether (as opposed to a subset of the W124 range)

Good luck!

Michael · #4 10-23-2002, 08:39 AM

Ricky,

Good point! I actually couldn't find the specs in a brand new alignment machine, but I did indeed only check W124s. I ended up using Sportline specs, which were close, but had the tech bring my car out of the normal Sportline range, especially on camber (toe I recall was similar, as was caster)

#5 10-23-2002, 10:10 AM

I have the specs from my last alignment and it doesn't show a specified range for the rear camber. Is it adjustable on our cars? Front spec is -0.8 to -1.3. The description is MB 92-95 124.036. Is that us?

Randy
'94 E500

ke6dcj · #6 10-23-2002, 05:07 PM

Tom- check out Seacoast Benz's review of BFG G-Force KDWS tires.

They are a great alternative to Michelin's A/S for a "W" rated tire with M&S and AA A traction at a wear rating of 400. Good ride, and strong sidewall for our heavy cars.

I believe Costco SSF can get them for $110/each.

Also, find out which MB dealership has a dedicated alignment tech. Have only him/her do the alignment. My MB Dealer charges $90 for a 4-wheel alignment, and that includes approx. 2-3 hours of alignment time, and two test-drives.

:-) neil

-fad · #7 10-23-2002, 05:09 PM

Hi Neil- you have a recc's for a track slick 225/55/16?

tks-fad

ke6dcj · #8 10-23-2002, 05:17 PM

I ran a set of used Kumho VictorRacer's and they were like glue. Unfortunately, they didn't last very long- wear rating of 50. They also were 225/50R16's (wrong aspect ratio).

Supposedly the Kumho V700's are lighter and better than the VictorRacers, and it gets good reviews.

Toyo Proxies RA-1 (competition) and Falken Azenis (autocross) have a good following, but they're not available in a 225/55R16 size, only 245/45R17.

:-) neil

Michael · #9 10-23-2002, 06:03 PM

I run Toyo 245/45-16s, and am quite happy. Pretty grippy (WAY more than a street tire, if you've not driven on slicks) and seem durable-they take a beating.

Let's see how they handle Watkins Glen!!