The spreader bar is a *required* part of a proper MB alignment.

It is not used to *adjust* anything, it is used to "pre-load" the wheels to simulate the thrust on the wheels and suspension during driving, and to remove any of the play that would be present in any of the suspension components that would cause a "standard" alignment to give false readings. Think about this play: most (all?) MBs' steering linkage is the back wall of a parallelogram that is laid over the front tires. The spreader bar is the front wall of the parallelogram.

Any shop that understands MBs and their alignment will either have this tool or will know to simulate its effect by manual "pre-loading" of the front of the wheels while simultaneously checking toe. If they are not doing this or are unaware of the need for the spreader bar, well . . .

Richard Easley
Waco, Texas