PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - W126 300SEL pulls to the left before and after alignment

Diseasel300 · #10 05-10-2018, 11:11 AM

If you do have a brake caliper dragging, it should be relatively easy to find. Go run a highway speeds for 10-15 mins, pull over and go feel the front wheel hubs. If you have one that's markedly hotter than the other, you know that wheel has the brake dragging.

The steering box is recirculating ball, so there will always be some slight vagueness, they are not as tight as rack and pinion. How much slop do you have in the steering wheel? How far can you turn it back and forth without making the car wander? If you have a helper, you can have them turn the wheel slowly back and forth while you watch the tie rod ends and pitman arm. See if there is movement before the wheels start moving, if so you have worn tie rod ends and/or center link. They'll definitely contribute to a wander/weave/pull.

In my experience, the wimpy rear springs won't really contribute to a wander or weave unless there's a side wind. Prior to the spring replacement, my car was a pain to drive at 70+ on the interstate on a windy day. The springs have calmed it down considerably.

If you're going to do the springs, replace the spring pads (go OEM for this part, it's cheap) and the differential mount at a minimum. They will all be removed to change the springs, so it's an ideal time to swap them out. Consider draining and refilling the diff oil while you're under there.