alignment

[ned2683]

can anyone explain what eaxactly they do in alignment? what do they tweak, set? thanks

[sixto]

The three basic front wheel adjustments on a non-rack and pinion non-strut front suspension MB are toe, camber and caster. Toe measured in distance is how much the front wheels point towards the centerline of the car in the direction of travel, camber measured as an angle is how far off vertical the front wheels are when viewed from the front of the car, and caster is how far off vertical the steering axis (e.g., imaginary line that joins the upper and lower balljoints) is when viewed from the side of the car. Rear wheel toe and camber are adjustable on some models.

An alignment job should include inspecting the steering and suspension components for wear, leaks, damage, etc.

I hope this helps.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD
+

[ned2683]

so if one of these components in the suspension/sterring is off. do they adjust it or replace it? well i suppose that really depends on what is wrong.

i was just wondering how do they adjust it if soemthing was out of alighment, is there a bolt or rubber shims they have to tweak or replace to get it back on alightment. and like oil changes do alignment have a fixed price on what they charge? or does it depend on aplications.

although my question might seem confusing i appreciate all the replies

[savagetom]

If the tie rods, ball joints, etc aren't worn out then an alignment tech will turn some nuts on the tie rods or adjust an eccentric bolt on the control arm to get the alignment correct. The alignment shop I use charges a fix rate for a front alignment - about $40. A front and rear alignment is about $47 if the car is capable of being adjusted in the rear. They only charge about $10 for the inspection if there are worn parts and they can't adjust it.

In our small city the MB dealer doesn't do their own alignments. They use a local alignment shop. I take my car directly there and avoid the markup. I usually ask for the first appointment of the day at 0700 and wait for the car to be finished. Takes about 35 minutes.

Give a couple of places a call and ask about their experience with Mercedes.

Good luck.

[guydewdney]

Originally posted by savagetom
. The alignment shop I use charges a fix rate for a front alignment - about $40. A front and rear alignment is about $47 if the car is capable of being adjusted in the rear. They only charge about $10 for the inspection if there are worn parts and they can't adjust it.

in the uk my local mb dealer wanted 250 pounds - 300 usd? for a 'geo-check' - so i took it to a friend who works for lexus and we spent two hours on it...free (well, a bottle of jack D )