High speed handling-proper alignment a factor? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mel Weaver · #1 03-30-2003, 12:40 AM

The question is in the post-heading. MY 190 E is a b#@*tch to drive over 60mph-requires constant input! Garage replaced some items,it pulls to one side a bit, but that's O.K.-the major problem is the way it wants to drift all over the road! Sometimes in a very big way! It takes total concentration to keep her on track at speed!
My Brother's 190 has over 320K and tracks like it's on rails! My darty little Miata is better!
I just bought the car this month and various parts have been replaced-I'm being assured front end is O.K. Leaving out the slight pull to one side-would a front end alighnment help me with this handling problem?
Thanks in advance-M

mcdill · #2 03-30-2003, 01:35 AM

I think it may have to do with the front alignment and the correct toe-in. I know on my car, a spreader bar must be used on the car to achieve correct toe-in.

I have the same problem as you, but only since I had the car aligned after getting new tires and shocks. I have since had it aligned again, which fixed the problem somewhat. The place I went to does not use a spreader bar, so I'm going to have to make a trip to the dealer soon for a proper alignment.

Matt
94 E320
151k

anthonyb · #3 03-30-2003, 01:46 AM

Worn suspension links in the back will also dramatically affect handling.. if the rear end steers with throttle input, this is a good indicator that some of the links (there are ten..!) are bad.

-anthony

manny · #4 03-30-2003, 08:39 AM

You are not running some big-ass tires, are you ?

cerbomark · #5 03-30-2003, 10:11 AM

As Manny stated, if your using a big low profile performance tire that may be a cause.

md21722 · #6 03-30-2003, 11:26 AM

If the car feels sensitive to wind gusts, take the car to the dealer for alignment. In my experience, NONE of the indy's have set front toe-in correctly. Dealer has to increase it 2X and then its perfect.

If the car feels like the rear end is steering, you very likely have worn rear links, or something bent, or broken.

If wheels and tires have recently been replaced or rotated, you may have discovered a bent rim or tire with a separated belt. Bent rims CAN be a cause of pulling or a car going crooked down the road.

These cars sacrifice a lot of suspension comfort when something is incorrect. But when everything is correct they are great driving cars.

Mel Weaver · #7 03-30-2003, 12:16 PM

Thanks guys!
Tires are proper size, good condition,rear end seems o.k., She doesn't like wind gusts too much-in fact over 60mph that is almost the feeling I have trying to drive her! Like it's a breezy day!
Will get alignment Mon. See what hapens-wish me luck.
Mel

md21722 · #8 03-30-2003, 12:57 PM

Mel,

I STRONGLY recommend you take it to the dealer for alignment. As mentioned the spreader bar is used to take any slack out of the front end prior to taking and setting the alignment. If its not used and you're taking it to an indy that relies on the machine rather than tie wear or your handling symptoms, you may waste your time and money.

sbourg · #9 03-31-2003, 01:37 PM

".......rear end seems o.k., "

How did you check it? Easy to do. Don a pair of heavy duty gloves, and with the car on flat ground, grasp each rear wheel in turn and yank in every possible direction. There should be NO freeplay. I think you'll find some, based on your description.

With ours, I assumed handling problem was worn rear shocks and replaced them. Even though the originals had shredded booties and showed signs of leakage, this caused no change in the problem. Did the yank test and immediately found an issue with the right rear. Tightened the loose bolt on the tracking strut, and everything was fine.

Steve

Mel Weaver · #10 03-31-2003, 10:51 PM

Thanks for reply.
A very little play was found in my right rear wheel a few weeks ago when I started tugging ( had a loose bearing in a Peugeot years ago). I am blaming play/ clunk sound on bad bumps on that- will check everything else bolted down now!
I had Fr. and Rr. alignment done today-it was off on several points.
Tracks, handles at speed MUCH better!!!
My Mechanic suggested beefing up my tire press. to 40 Lbs. (55lb Michelins) I said O.K. and went 34 Fr., 36 Rr.-will see what happens-I was running 29/31 cold.
Thanks for all the support out there!
-Mel