1999 SLK Tracking Problem
 

1999 SLK230 is all over the road when I drive on an uneven surface.

I had the alignment set and changed the steering damper but nothing -- no change.

I'm wondering, could it be in my power steering?

Thanks for the help --

If it were me, I’d start with tire pressure.

Good luck.

What kind of tires are you running? I see lots of folks trying to save a few bucks on tires and wind up changing the way the car handles for the worse. I imagine SLK's are even more fussy about the tires since they handle like slot cars when they're set up correctly.

Going to a wider tire will cause the car to "track" the grooves along the road.

Changed tires lately?

Still running the original size tires -- checked the pressure it's no different, it's the same as it has always has been.
It's just extremley loose on bumpy surfaces.
Thanks for all the responses

how many miles on the car?

Your power steering is probably fine.

Who did the alignment? Mercedes dealership or a late model Mercedes specialist? Was problem present before the alignment.

If suspension settings and linkage are within tolerance, then shocks.

My 1998 C-230 which didn't come form the factory with Bilstein had it's front shocks totally shot by 75K miles.

just wanted to add, also may want to check an SLK forum to see if there are any TSB's or known problems with SLK wandering.

I had the same problem on my 99 SLK230. Problem was the tires. I know this will bring the wrath of everyone but I took off the Michelin tires and put on Bridgestones. Problems solved. Even my wife said immediately "What did you do to the car. It drives so much better."

By the way, I have touted Michelin tires for 40 years. Really hard to admit they were the problem.

Also I've found torsion bar bushings make a big difference.

For the tire air pressure, did you check them cold? What are the pressures all around?

Jack up one of the front wheels off the ground and grab the tire at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. Push gently back and forth and see if there is any loose play like "clunk clunk". If so then you need a new "center link" AKA "drag link". If not then look at things previously mentioned.

Mike