w201 Alignment / Winter Tires / Wheel Rubbing Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JamesDean · #1 12-05-2010, 08:36 PM

Hello everyone,

I've just fitted 4 w126 15" wheels with my snow tires on my w201 and am having some rubbing problems.

Last winter I had a set of 8-hole 15" wheels from my gold w126 SD with the winter wheels on them and there was no problem once so ever. I had an alignment done when they put the wheels on...

This fall I replaced front tie rods and rebuilt the rear suspension. I had an alignment done as well.

I was thinking maybe something in the alignments changed?

Now about 2 weeks after I had the right side alignment done, it started pulling to the left and feeling very loose/sensitive, so I took it back and had them fix it, but they didnt give me a printout...

Here where its rubbing:

Hopefully someone has some thoughts on this..

I was all happy that my winter wheels and snow tires were mount and going to work...

You know what else is weird, its ONLY on the passenger side, the driver side has almost nearly 2 fingers worth of clearance between the tire and wheel well...

mbdoc · #2 12-06-2010, 08:22 AM

The W126 wheel has incorrect off-set for a W201 chassis car.

Sounds like you need a VERY large dead blow hammer, unless you go back to the correct off-set wheel.

JamesDean · #3 12-06-2010, 11:09 AM

My 201 is lowered and I've been able to run my other w126's 8-hole rims (ET23 or 21 IIRC) without any rubbing problems and they had slightly larger tires.

I did do some bashing with a hammer as I'd rather not drive my 126 in the winter. However I still think the front end alignment is poorly done.

I called the alignment shop, told them I bought snow tires and had an alignment done by them last winter and all was fine, told them that I rebuild the rear suspension and replaced the front tie rods in the fall and had another alignment done and now its not as it was last winter. They said I might have put the wrong parts on, I told them this was not possible as there are no other parts that can be put on, there are no substitute links for the 201. The only link I have that is non-factory is my adjustable camber arms in the rear.

I'm taking it in Wednesday morning to see what they have to say about it.

Ever since I replaced all the links and had an alignment the car really hasnt driven all that well IMO.

Some of the guys on the 190Rev indicated that some of my steering issues were the results of someone not knowing how to properly perform an alignment on the 201s style of suspension...

babymog · #4 12-06-2010, 12:22 PM

Tie rods can only affect toe, and doesn't cnange wheel position.
The caster adjustment moves the wheelfore and aft, more caster is forward. I'd check the control arm bushings, if you give up I have some 124 ET49 wheels i'll sell cheap.

JamesDean · #5 12-06-2010, 01:06 PM

I do have new front control arm bushings that I've not had a chance to install yet.

I had them do a full alignment..

If I were to put ET49s on the only thing I'd worry about is rubbing the fenders. 49s put it like 28mm outwards towards the fender IIRC.

Perhaps the caster is out, or the bushings are shot?

I mean the latest sheet I have doesn't accurately reflect the settings on the car currently, as had them correct some odd problems I was having three weeks after my alignment in August.

babymog · #6 12-06-2010, 02:36 PM

Probably changed / rotated the eccentrics to adjust the caster/camber.

The 124 ET49 wheels are IIRC almost identical to the stock 201 offset. If the offset is greater, it moves the wheel inward.

JamesDean · #7 12-06-2010, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

Probably changed / rotated the eccentrics to adjust the caster/camber.

The 124 ET49 wheels are IIRC almost identical to the stock 201 offset. If the offset is greater, it moves the wheel inward.

Your right, I had it backwards. I recall trying a stock size 201 rim on the rear wheels and it didnt work, as the brake piston kept the wheel from being mounted.

Is change/rotating the eccentrics not the correct way to adjust camber/caster?
I know nothing of how/where of the different aspects (caster,etc) are adjusted on the 201 style suspension..

JamesDean · #8 12-06-2010, 03:34 PM

I ran across this quote that was quoted from 190Rev,

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisfball12

Any one who is going to go in for an alignment I would recommend that when you visit a shop you should ask some questions first.

1. Can you do an Alignment on a Mercedes?
2. Do you have a Spreader Bar for the front Suspension?
^If they say No just leave and find someone else.

The spreader bar pushes on the inside wheels of the car applying 25 foot pounds keeping everything still while being adjusted. This tool is needed and required by all the Hunter alignment machines

If they say yes make sure to ask them to use it and have them put that on the work order.

Source:Still cant adjust toe properly on W201

I had my dad call them and ask these questions, and he said they never heard of the spreader bar. I was reading other threads as well, and there seems to be some other special tools that are needed for this job, some type of device that locks the steering box in center or something.

I think I'm gonna call the dealership and inquire...