190E front wheel alignment/location question
 

The wheel on the front left (driver) on a Euro 190E 16v is about 1/2" farther back than the wheel on the right side. I seem to recall reading/hearing that this is designed this way so that the car tracks better on the cupped roads (higher in center and lower on the side of the roads). Up until now this has not been an issue. I have been running 215/40/17's on it. I am looking for new tires and the selections in this size is very limited. If I could run 45 profile I would have a much wider choice. Also, If I put 45's on it now the tire will rub on the left side.

So it the wheel supposed to be father back? I have not had any front end damage, last alignment was spot on. Ball joints are in good shape. What gives?

Thanks

If your tires are not even, fox them and get the 45s. I run 215 60 15 on mine and my suspension is lowered about an inch and I have no problems rubbing unless the alignment gets knocked out of wack.

The tires are even it's their placement that is not. Measuring from the center of the hub to the fender is different on each side. If I get 45's the driver side tire will rub.

I think you have to be careful when comparing wheel position with body work. You are better off measuring from chassis points and comparing.

If you have a level flat surface a plumb bob and some chalk you can pick points on the car and mark the floor - label the drop points and then roll the car away to measure relative dimensions.

A bit of trigonometry and some head scratching will give you a very good assessment of the relative positions.

Good points to measure are

1) Ball joint centres
2) Control arm mounting points
3) sub frame mounting points
4) Centre of the differential
5) Centre points of motor mounts

What are the condition of the lower control arm bushings?

half inch difference would be quite a feat - seems like the arm is bent on that side, the caster difference is very slight from left to right - you cannot notice it by naked eye.

Try measuring front to rear on each side and see if you still find the difference. I have never heard of any car having a difference like this. I agree it would indicate something bent or very worn out.

Hmm. Never thought of that. I'll see if I can take some more measurements.

Thanks guys.

I found a print out of the last alignment on my car. When looking at the caster (I think that's the front/back placement) it shows

left : 9.42'
right : 10.12'

Would that account for the discrepancy I'm seeing? I have not had a chance to get it on jacks and measure.

Quite possibly and if that's a measurement from awhile back the difference might now be greater as components are likely to be more worn

Those look like the caster angles in degrees. They should be closer to equal, but if the car doesn't pull on a level road, it's okay.

Measure the wheelbase on both sides - between center of the stars on the center caps, car on a level surface. Both sides should be very close.

It would help if you scan and post the alignment sheet that shows all the data. You may not be interpreting the data properly.

Duke