Front wheel sits foward too much and rubs. What to do? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

The Godfather · #1 11-19-2003, 03:05 AM

After I had my big brake kit installed, I found my left front wheels to be sitting foward closer than before and than the right wheel. It's so close that on hard dips, it rubs against the fender/bumper, whereas before, it never did, nor does that right wheel before and now.

I took it to get it aligned, but these hicks here are incompetent and told me that there's nothing they can do.

Anyone have any idea?

Help please! This is driving me nuts

here's a pic, not the best to see the problem. But where the caliper is, is the front of the wheel.

sbourg · #2 11-19-2003, 10:02 AM

The assymetry is a concern. Are you aware of any accident damage to this car? I would have a frame shop check the dimensions if nothing mechanical can be found.

Steve

G-Benz · #3 11-19-2003, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sbourg
The assymetry is a concern. Are you aware of any accident damage to this car? I would have a frame shop check the dimensions if nothing mechanical can be found.

Steve

True dat! My VW had that problem, and it's more obvious when you've fitted oversize tires/rims.

The Bug took a severe impact several years ago and the bodyshop that did the work never corrected it fully. So I had the car put on a frame jig and aligned to factory specs prior to completing the bodywork and paint in latter years...

MrCjames · #4 11-19-2003, 12:18 PM

What was installed along with the Big Brakes? Did the control arms have to be removed and or modified? Does it use the factory spindle assembly or does the kit come with new spindles?

If the tires did not have a problem prior to the retrofit than one can only conclude something happened during the installation. Do you have an MB dealer close to you? If so they should be outfitted with the new Beisbarth alignment system and with the right person operating the equipment they should be able to determine the fault.

#5 11-19-2003, 12:27 PM

Position the front wheels in a straight-ahead position and measure the wheelbase on both sides and compare. The numbers should be identical. The last car that had a different wheelbase on each side was the Renault 5.

The Godfather · #6 11-19-2003, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrCjames
What was installed along with the Big Brakes? Did the control arms have to be removed and or modified? Does it use the factory spindle assembly or does the kit come with new spindles?

If the tires did not have a problem prior to the retrofit than one can only conclude something happened during the installation. Do you have an MB dealer close to you? If so they should be outfitted with the new Beisbarth alignment system and with the right person operating the equipment they should be able to determine the fault.

Yeah, it was fine before the big brake kit was put on. I'll see what I can find..

but I was wondering if there was a possible adjustment to be made somewhere...

joe p · #7 11-19-2003, 01:46 PM

Its hard for me to tell by the pic but, I've seen several 210 cars with bent lower radiator supports that have the bottem of the wheelhouse and bumper pushed back. You'd never notice it to look at it but, the tire will rub while turning. The easiest fix is take a portapower and shove the support back forward.

Might be worth a look as long as the wheelbase is within 1/2". (I also cant figure a side growing)

Joe

yal · #8 11-20-2003, 11:17 AM

Sounds like your Castor setting was off and it has been exaggerated by the wheel upgrade. Or they moved it by mistake.
This happened to me when I went from 15 to 16" except my wheel looked like it had been moved towards the back.
Get an alignment shop to check castor for you.

The Godfather · #9 11-20-2003, 11:24 AM

I Did goto an alignment shop. However, guess their competence sucks.

I spoke to my shop and they said that when they put the big brake kit on, the hub was bigger and pushed the wheel out more. So it's all in relation to that..