e420 aligment? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

robaincltnc · #1 02-19-2003, 06:33 PM

How do I tell if I need an alignment? My newest purchase has Good Year tires on it. I understand that they don't last anyway but they have appeared to wear funny. The tires on my back appear to have worn on outside.

Thanks for you help

Pete Geither · #2 02-19-2003, 09:09 PM

The main signs of needing an alignment are the car wanting to pull to one side or the other, or strange tire wear. Just make sure the tires are inflated to the proper pressures and they aren't showing any external damage already. A shimmy or vibration is not usually related to alignment and indicates something spinning is out of wack or unbalanced. The car pulling to one side when you apply the brakes is usually brake component related.This is just a short basic list. A positive check is to get it checked on a good 4 wheel alignment machine. My dealer has a 1/4 million dollar machine that is dedicated to M-B autos primarily.

robaincltnc · #3 02-19-2003, 09:30 PM

thanks much for your help! the car does vibrate around 55 then it goes away. I haven't noticed any pulling left or right, now vibration at all until 55..the tires show wear.

What brand tires have you had success with on your e420? This is a new car to me(one owner lease turn in-bought on ebay). Do you have/know anything for me to watch out for? How do you like the car.

Thanks for your help!

Pete Geither · #4 02-20-2003, 05:43 AM

I have Michelin Pilot Sports on 17" AMG rims. I bought the package through Luke at tire Rack. I also lowered it with the Eibach spring kit. LOVE the car. Handles like a Corvette with the luxury and ride of a Benz. It will wander a bit on a dished out road because of the width of the tires, but I am willing to live with that for the looks and overall handling. It has 36K on it. Tire sizes are 235/45s on front and 255s on rear.

robaincltnc · #5 02-20-2003, 07:58 AM

Sounds Awesome!
definitely post or send picture.

robaincltnc · #6 02-21-2003, 01:52 PM

my steering wheel is about 3 degrees off center to the right...is that alignment?

suginami · #7 02-21-2003, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by robaincltnc
my steering wheel is about 3 degrees off center to the right...is that alignment?

Yes. The machine locks the wheel in the center position when doing an alignment.

Like I mentioned in your other thread, take it to the dealer.

robaincltnc · #8 02-21-2003, 03:04 PM

will do.
have a great weekend

#9 02-21-2003, 08:04 PM

i had the same problem with mine 1993 400e and i waited and ruined my perellis vizolla 8000's so i highly recomend u to get the proper allignment ASAP it costed me 75 bucks for 4 tires after tht u ll feel much smoother and confident
hope it will help u a bit
mani
GOOD LUCK

okc329 · #10 02-21-2003, 10:33 PM

Take the car to an MB dealer and explain all your problems. They will probably start with balancing and inspecting all the tires. I just had mine in for same symptoms as you('97 E320). Dealer charged me $40 for the balance and it made a world of difference.
If that won't do it, have them check all the front end components.
Your rears may be worn because they were rotated off of the front.

robaincltnc · #11 02-21-2003, 10:44 PM

OKC,
I just had the tires rotated. The rear are now in front and the vibration is worse. The question is why did they wear that way? Plus the steering wheel being a few degrees off center-right. I think an alignment and some new feet would make the world of difference.

jsmith · #12 02-21-2003, 11:06 PM

the steering wheel turned a few degrees could have happened any number of ways including having an alignment performed. it is possible for a car to be aligned yet have the wheel be out of whack - one of the most common comebacks at alignment shops (been there done that). in the days before airbags in some cars it was a simple matter to just yank the wheel and put it back in place at the correct angle.

don't wait too long before you get tires and schedule an alignment. it might also be a good idea to show the old tires to whomever is going to do it for you. it may help id parts that need replacement...

Pete Geither · #13 02-22-2003, 07:51 AM

It's possible to have a perfect alignment and have the steering wheel rotated 90 degrees to one side or the other. You can't tell if the wheel is perfectly straight until you take the car for a drive. I guess some shops don't do that so that might explain why it's a big problem.

#14 02-22-2003, 01:20 PM

dude, allignment is the way to go dealer charges 85 bucks so as the other allignment professionals so take my advise and get done the allignment before u suspect anything else
mani

robaincltnc · #15 02-22-2003, 05:13 PM

What did that package cost you? I need new tires for sure. The e420 rims aren't that bad though although the AMG's are nice. Today, I just saw a black 97 e300 with Pilot's and AMG wheels. Sporty lookin D for sure.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode