Hi all,

I finaly finished my front end and minor motor work this weekend. Installed new ball joint, top timing cover lip seal, rotor, distributor cap, valve cover gasket, water pipe (I bent doing the previously listed repairs), OVP fuze (blown by jumping car with cables reversed after I had completed previously listed repair).

I have my car on ramps and will now tighten the control arm bolts. Could someone please let me know what the torque should be? Can't find in CD or via search of this site.

Also, I need an allignment, is this something I should have done at a dealership? Those pep boys and others make me nervous, don't trust them with my Mercedes. Any recommended allignment shops in the southern NH area?
And any allignment advice?

Thanks guys,
Joel

Mercedes vehicles require the use of special tools to be properly aligned.

Mercedes has worked with one of the larger companies that make the alignment equipment that most shops use, but the equipment has been Modified specifically for Mercedes vehicles.

I would go only to the dealer or an independent that specializes in Mercedes cars as they are sure to have the right equipment.

Stevebfl has answered many questions on alignment issues.

Do a search under his username and you'll see what I mean.

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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".

that's what I figured.

Thanks,
I'll call the independent Mercedes guy I deal with and see if he has the equipment, if not, i'll head to the dealer.

PS> I know this is a stupid question but, when the manual or parts catelogues refer to the left or right side of the vehicle. For example left tie rod assembly, is that the passenger's side?

Thanks,
Joel

If your indie does not perform the alignment and he messes with MB's ask him where recommends taking a car for alignment. I'll be surprised if he tells you the dealer.

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Jim

The left side would be the drivers side.

There's no such thing as a stupid question. That's what I used to tell my students when I was a high school English and ESL teacher.

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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".

thanks again guys.

As you can see, I think I am hooked on this site. Can't help but log on morning, day and night. Thank god I have a lap top with me at all times.

Went to the car auction today and was telling my buddy, I would have gotten rid of my car by now if it wasn't for this site.

Thanks all,
Joel

The torque value for the eccentric bolt (nuts) is 125Nm (92Ft-Lbs).
Final torquing should be done with weight on the wheels.

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.

Hi csnow,

Thanks for the info (including the ft lbs conversion) i've been doing the math nm X.74074074... something like that, i have it written down. My torque wrench is ftlbs and metric but not nm.

I have my car on ramps, I initially tightened with control arm suspended, I will now loosen and retighten and torque.

thanks a bunch for the post, I really wanted to get this done tonight so I can shut my gararge door.

Heading down there now,

Thanks again,
Joel

PS> Times like this I wish I had a lift.

That is certainly close enough.

1 Meter-Newtons = 0.73692 Foot-Pounds

I usually just estimate at 4 to 3

I like this site for such things:
http://www.onlineconversion.com

A lift would be very nice...

I don't know if you have any of these in NH, but the NTB (National Tire & Battery) near me has really nice alignment equipment, and I have had good results. It was about $90.

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.

Yes, I do have a NTB near me. I've had good luck with them patching tires for me on my other cars.

Will hit them up for the allignment.

Thanks again,
Joel

I'll make the link a favorite.