Front end alignment issue on a 190e
 

My son had two new tires put on the front of his '93 190e 2.3 yesterday and the mechanic found a bad tie rod on the right side. So he had the tie rod replaced. But the mechanic told him that a "special tool" is required to set the steering wheel back to center! Huh? Why would replacing a bad tie rod throw the steering wheel off? And can't you simply adjust it back by bringing the left in/out and right in/out? Am I missing something???

-Steve

Unless the steering was WAY off to begin with..re-setting the toe on the replacement side is all that would be needed.

So couldn't we just re-center by adjusting left and right?
 

...I always worry about messing with the steering wheel to re-center...doesn't that mean the tie rods are adjusted way to one side? Couldn't that possibly alter your turning circle on one side?

Any logical reason why the mechanic didn't simply do that?

-Steve

Maybe he's talking about the special "bolt" needed to center the gearbox and what he's actually saying is that he needs this to center it before he can feel comfortable that the alignment is done properly?

Ah, okay....
 

...that makes me feel better. To date this guy has been pretty dependable and staraight with me. I think perhaps something was lost in translation between him and my 18 year old! It's time to visit the local MB dealer for this one.

Hey while I have people's attention the O2 sensor light came on a week after I replaced it (the mpg had plummetted!)...so where exactly is this reset switch on the '93 190e? People say it's under the carpet on the passenger side...is it under something? Near the seat or the firewall or the center console???? I want to turn the silly thing off before I go to the dealer...don't want him deciding to replace my brandy new sensor!!

Thanks!

Steve

There is a reset button, located under the front passenger side carpeting. Push the passenger seat all the way back, undo the carpet snaps and you should see a box with the reset button.

BTW, did you use the Mercedes Bosch O2 Sensor, or the Mustang 5.0 Bosch O2 Sensor? I have heard from several members that the Mustang part is the same for much less $, but you have to splice the connector wires.

Actually I used the Generic Bosch O2 Sensor...
 

...that has the nice splice box. Works great because you can put the little splice box in the battery box...only paid $45 for it on eBay!

-Steve