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Old 09-08-1999, 07:27 AM
Mike B
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My 1987 300SL tends to wander over the road requiring constant correction and hence a fair degree of concentration. This is especially noticeable in cross winds or where the road camber changes.
Lots of rubber bushes/mounts, tie rods, dampers etc. replaced at the front end. Wheels (all four) recently aligned including camber/castor adjustment by Mercedes. New Bilstein HD dampers all round. Tyres in good condition.
Could any part of the suspension at the rear cause this kind of problem? How about the differential (I think?) rubber mounts?

Thanks in advance.

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Old 09-08-1999, 09:35 PM
Luchtaine
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A couple of questions:

1) Is there any noise from the rear suspension, particularly on accel/decel or over bumps?

2) How, if at all, did the four wheel alignment affect your vehicle?

Hatch

------------------
1980 240d 4sp
ASE Master Auto Technician
ASE Advanced Engine Performance
  #3  
Old 09-09-1999, 06:07 AM
Mike B
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There isn't any unusual noise from the rear when accelerating/decelerating. Sometimes rear creaks at parking speed when going from 'D' to 'R' for instance and sometimes there is squeaking when cornering a low speed (only if turning right). There is some play in the differential which I believe is due to gear wear rather than flexing joints. This can be heard as a slight clunk on the overun or when braking approaching junctions etc.
The wheel alignment did little to resolve the problem.
Forgot to add previously that the steering box has been adjusted by MB to 'take up the slack'.

Thanks.
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Old 09-09-1999, 10:54 PM
Luchtaine
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I hate to keep asking questions, but did your recent "take up the slack" adjustment affect the wandering problem?

The reason I ask is I have seen many cases where during this procedure the mesh is adjusted too tightly and the steering wheel does not return completely to center. Actually, the front wheels do not return to their castered neutral because there is too much friction in the now overtightened steering gearbox preventing their return. The driver has to compensate and turn the wheel to steer the car straight and the result is a percieved "wander." Hope that makes sense.

If this sounds like your problem, it is easily remedied by a competent tech.

Hatch

------------------
1980 240d 4sp
ASE Master Auto Technician
ASE Advanced Engine Performance
  #5  
Old 09-10-1999, 03:14 AM
Mike B
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The steering box adjustment improved the control of the car no end - previously it was a case of starting to steer before entering a turn. Now the car returns to 'centre' without me having to force it there so I think the adjustment is OK.

Would it be worth getting a mechanic to thoroughly check out the whole drive train and rear suspension? If so what procedure and checks would you recommend?

Thanks again for your help.

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