I've been doing some research about Mercedes alignment specifications. According to Chilton, my 1984 300SD requires 0 degrees, plus or minus 10' for camber and 9 degrees, plus or minus 15' to 10 degrees, plus or minus 15' (lets just say 10 degrees).

I was looking at caster/camber gauges and found out that there was no gauge for sale that could measure 10 degrees camber!!! I took a look at Hunter equipment, and they sold a special version of their computerized alignment equipment approved by Mercedes. Most of the equipment for alignment is made for American cars, which have a caster of 1-3 degrees. Typical Mercedes have 10 degrees caster which gives them superior stability on the road. It is no wonder that Mercedes are good autoban cruisers.

I found a neat article that discusses alignment on Mercedes:

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ic/ic40232.htm

Anyway, unless an alignment shop has proper equipment that can measure 10 degrees camber, they cannot properly alignment your Mercedes. Good independent alignment shops are hard to find for a Mercedes since they need special equipment.

Any comments?

That's not unusual, of course.

Oh yeah, caster is 10 degrees, and there's no camber/caster gauge to measure it.

Years ago, when I was in the business, I used the Snap-on gauges. I am sure most are similar. When caster is measured, the normal procedure is to turn the wheel on the turntable out 20 degrees, zero the bubble, turn wheel in 20 degrees and read the caster. If the caster exceeds the reading on the gauge, as it does with most Mercedes', I would turn the wheel out 20 degrees, zero the bubble, then slowly turn the wheel in while reading the gauge. When it hits a point, say 5 degrees, I would zero the bubble again, turn the wheel until it reached the 20 degree mark, then read the reading and add the 5 degrees to it. An added note, I would zero the toe-in prior to taking any readings. The excessive caster throws off the readings unless this step is taken. I hope this is not too confusing.

oh no, of course i understood everything. doesnt matter though, i just enjoy the stability.

i used to have my suburbans maxed out on caster. there was not 10 degrees available but i think maybe 5 or 6. it made them a lot more relaxing to drive.

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