420SEL88

[rudy]

Both rear tires are wearing bad on the inside.The camber is very bad...need to rotate tires every three months. The shocks and springs had been replaced, ...springs pads (19mm) was installed, ...still the rear tires looks awfully bad. Never had any accidents that would damaged the rear control arm assembly. Could you please advice on what to replace to correct this problem. Thank you...

[Benzmac]

Are you carrying any weight? If not, You may want to get the heavy duty rear shocks made by Bilstein(sp?).

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Has the rear ride height been checked and adjusted useing the factory recommended procedures and tools? The camber is bad??? What is the rear camber readings?? This cannot be evaluated correctly untill the ride is in spec. This measurement is not done with a tape measure. there is a very specific procdure to make these checks and adjustments.

[rudy]

Many thanks for your tech advice. The shock that was installed by the dealer was of heavy duty type per se. I don't think that they have or is aware of measuring the rear height co'z that was never been mentioned in their troubleshooting act. They were recommending to replace the rear control arm bushing with offset settings. As per se, ...both rear tires had independent suspension system. We notice that if the rear was jacked-up, ...the tires goes in perfect straight position. However,...the moment the car was put into motion, ...the tires goes back to its awfully bad postion. Please help...

Assuming the rear springs are stock and have not sagged, changing the semi-trailing control arm bushing (with ecentric bushings) is the only answer to correct the camber problem. Also, if you decide to change the bushing, don't forget to install the original spring pads. 19mm pad is too thick. Good luck.

[rudy]

TommyMB---your advice is strongly appreciated,...will take it for action. By the way, where can I procure a semi-trailing arm eccentric bushing ? Please advice.

[Aaron]

Rudy,

I believe that your car should have the rear self-leveling system. There are two nitrogen-charged accumulators, one at each wheel. And the tube shocks are of the hydropneumtaic type. It is possible that the system is in need of repair. Check that out.


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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'79 6.9
'79 6.9
'80 300SD
'81 240D
'85 380SE
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8


[This message has been edited by Aaron (edited 08-10-1999).]

[rudy]

Aaron----thanks for the help. The MB dealer claims that this model is not equiped or design to have a rear self levelling system. I may need a costly repair job to modify the system. At this time, ..I'm having difficulty to look for a semi-trailing arm eccentric bushing as recommnded by Tommy MB. Is there anymore solution to this situation ?

Dont worry about the bushings untill the ride height is correct. The bushing are not eccentic. They are a offset type of bushing that moves the piviot bolt towards one side depending upon how they are installed. I have aligned probably in excess of 500 126 chassis cars over the last 20 years and have never had to use these bushings. They are avalilable from your dealer. Your car did not come with the hydro-suspension. This was on the 560 series.

The escentric bushings were available from Dinan (the BMW specialist). The Sept/Oct 1986 Star magazine had an article on it. The dealer may have them too. Your car does not have the hydropuemtic shocks. Once again, if your springs have not sagged or the control arms bended, the only solution to change your overly negative camber is the escentic bushings.

You may want to contact George Murphy of the Star Magazine for your problem. You can reach George at george_murphy@compuserve.com

I should have said escentic bolts instead of bushings. The stock bushings are used. The bolts allow the mechanic to adjust the camber setting. Good luck.