2.3-16V Wandering
 

I have an 86 2.3 16V that at speeds over 45mph will start to wander on the road. By wandering I mean that the car tends to follow lines/ruts in the road easily. Most of the time you have to correct the steering, though sometimes it will correct itself before leaving the lane.

I have recently replaced the tires as well as tie rods and centerlink. The steering does not appear to have excessive play. 2 local MB shops have both said it is the new rubber I have on it (BF Goodrich TAs I think) - just too aggressive tread. . . However the old Toyo Proxes that were on it when I purchased the car exhibited the same behavior. I am running the stock tire size on 15 inch AMG wheels. The offset on these is about 10mm different than the stock wheel.

The car has had 3 alignments on it since I have owned it. All 4 wheel. The last alignment they toed in the front wheels slightly to attempt to reduce this issue.

All the MB techs who have checked it have said that the balljoints due not appear worn, and have supposedly checked them. Sometimes the steering will feel slightly indexed or notched when correcting the steering - Kinda like a pitted headset on a bicycle.

You do not notice this issue at city speeds. It is only when you get on the freeway that you notice how annoying it is. It can definitely be road dependent ie: newly paved road = little wandering.

Help!

And thanks - this board has been helpful on other issues.

Bob
86 16V 145k

The statement about "notchy" may be the problem OR what is causing the problem. IF any of the steering joints (ball-joints, tie-rod ends, drag-link, or idler arm bush) are "tight" then the car will steer as you described.