I recently had my wheels dynamically balanced on the Hunter machine at a new Big O shop locally. The ride is terrific. They also have the Hunter wheel alignment equipment. Any comments on successful wheel alignments from Big O/Hunter machine?

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Chris

'04 ML500 - 53k, Inspiration Edition, Desert Silver
'11 Audi A4 Avant - Brilliant Black
'87 300SDL sold
'99 C280 Sport sold
'85 190E 2.3 sold

Big O is great for alignments. Its a funny thing that all the guys that work at my branch have "tire" bellies.

I believe that Hunter also makes the alignment machines for Mercedes, but the alignment machines are specially altered to work with Mercedes only.

Further, when setting the front end alignment, you also need a special tool called a spreader bar to properly adjust the toe. The spreader bar is a spring loaded bar that forces the front wheels apart with 90 - 110 Nm (66 - 81 ft-lb) of force. The use of this spreader bar allows the alignment to duplicate driving conditions by preloading the rubber bushings in the suspension.

The use of a spreader bar is the only way to get an accurate front end alignment.

Thus, I'd take my car to the dealer, or a Mercedes service and repair facility that has the right alignment equipment and a spreader bar.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".