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#1
05-07-2006, 09:24 PM
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Alignment recommendations
My '83 300D is balding the front tires on their inner edge.
I've had a national tire chain do an alignment twice and the problem keeps coming back. Could this be due to a worn suspension/alignment part that needs to be replaced? JWJ
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JWJ 1983 MB 300D - > 430,000 miles - Deep Blue - Bilstein Comforts - 0-60 in 24 seconds - 27MPG 1985 MB 300TD (wagon) - > 275,000 miles - Manila Beige - Thule rack - 0-60 in 18 seconds - 22 - 25MPG Biodiesel, Mobil Delvac 1, and Viton fuel lines! 
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#2
05-07-2006, 10:25 PM
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Excess wear on the inner sides of the tires is an indication of excessive negative camber. Worn control arm bushings can cause this.
Beware national chain alignments. Some are actually good, but most will just set the toe within spec and send you on your way. I know, I've worked for them.
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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar. 83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 401,xxx miles 08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 26,xxx miles 88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress. 99 Mazda Miata 183,xxx miles.
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#3
05-08-2006, 06:23 PM
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You need to find out what is causing your negative camber in the first place them fix it.
You need to look at your whole front end suspension. I recently had the same problem with outer tire wear. Replaced the Upper Control Arms, Sway bar bushings, Rear track rod bearings, Center link, Stearing damper and tie rods. Also bought new tires and shocks all around. went to the dealer for an alignment. Problem solved. In order to do a proper alignment on a Mercedes you need a special tool called a spreader bar. That simulates toe in during driving conditions. Most manufacturers give toe in specs that shops use to simulate driving conditions. Mercedes does not provide any specs. If a shop is doing an alignment without the bar they are only guessing and will probably get it wrong. Do yourself a favor and only go to the dealer for an alignment. Dany
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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles OBK member #23 (\__/) (='.'=) This is Bunny. Copy and paste bunny into your (")_(") signature to help him gain world domination
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#4
05-08-2006, 07:09 PM
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Quote:
But on a related note, I'm having the same problem as you. Turns out I need two new upper control arms, a steering damper, bushings for the connection of the lower control arm at the strut rod, and bushings at the connection of the strut rod at the frame.
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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later! -German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.
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#5
05-08-2006, 08:17 PM
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and if those suspension parts are worn enough they let the bottom of the hub carrier splay out and it creates a toe out situation, increasing the wear on the inside of the tires.
tom w
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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.  [SIGPIC]..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
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#6
05-08-2006, 08:23 PM
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Thanks for all the info!
How would I know if my front suspension is worn to be causing this? If this is the case is replacing parts to the front suspension a DIY situation? JWJ
__________________
JWJ 1983 MB 300D - > 430,000 miles - Deep Blue - Bilstein Comforts - 0-60 in 24 seconds - 27MPG 1985 MB 300TD (wagon) - > 275,000 miles - Manila Beige - Thule rack - 0-60 in 18 seconds - 22 - 25MPG Biodiesel, Mobil Delvac 1, and Viton fuel lines!
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