How many more alignments??

[767Flyer]

Ok - my '97 C280 has had to have THREE alignments in the past year... where I live the roads are fine, I drive like a grandma, and have not hit ANY potholes or curbs. What's up with this? I've got brand new tires, well balanced, exept after a short period of time after I have the car aligned (at a MB dealership) the car starts pulling to the right - gets progressively worse. Any suggestions? Anything in the suspension I should have my independent look at? Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks

Mark

[mbdoc]

The small amount of adjustment on a C-Class for alignment should not be able to correct for a front end that is pulling.
This adjustment is done with special bolts & "off-set" washers at the lower control arms. THERE is less than 1/2deg of CASTER adjustment available on this car. I would have someone look at the lower control arm bushings, as wear on these bushings will cause problems.

[-fad]

recently had my '94 E320 Coupe alignment suspect when I put new P6000 summer 195/65/VR15's on stock wheels....stock suspension

>alignment adjustments were within spec (3 times inspected)
>suspension/chassis/hubs/ steering all tight and healthy
>lugs torqued to OEM spec
>wheel balancing OK
>wheels not bent, wheels not a bit of scrape/pot mark/curb rash
>no accidents or fender benders
>hadn't run over boulders or the Grand Canyon
>no foreign objects embedded in the tire or car....
>...thought of contacting the almighty for some spiritual guidance

...turned out to be a tire with tread a bit higher on one side vs. the other (tire tread irregularity- due to faulty production or mold'ing)...'causing the car to pull or track to one side

amazing!...maybe this might be applicable in your case? good luck and let us know what turns out

-fad

[Bzoo]

MB Doc...does a 92 E-class have the same alignment querks..mine has the same problem

[mbdoc]

The E-class thru 1995 has "normal" alignment CAMS that can change alignment specs by at least 1.5deg for both caster & camber.
If you suspect alignment problems swapping the tires around can be a good idea FIRST!
Also an inspection of ALL rubber suspension bushings is important.
BALL joint wear also will lead to suspension problems.