W108 109 Caster adjustment

[mayorrichard]

The caster adjuster is at its max and only giving me 2.5 degrees. Ideal is 4 degrees according to the manual. The leaves that attach to the front of the subframe are secured with two bolts. Is it possible to remove the bolts and slot the holes in the leaves so I can move the subframe a bit forward to get more caster?. Has anyone done this?

[cth350]

are the subframe mounts in good shape?
what about the bushings that hold the A-arms to the axle.

I think, the third possibility is bent A-arms and axles. But that should show up as different castor measurements on each side.

-CTH

[dobrodan]

Which caster adjustment are you moving? There are two. One by moving the offset adjustment on the flat springs you referred to. The other is the threaded bushing on the top of the king pin, which is a fine adjustment and requires a special wrench. I had several of these made a while ago because the special tool is NLA. Making ten was the same price as one.

[aluminum]

Originally Posted by dobrodan

Which caster adjustment are you moving? There are two. One by moving the offset adjustment on the flat springs you referred to. The other is the threaded bushing on the top of the king pin, which is a fine adjustment and requires a special wrench. I had several of these made a while ago because the special tool is NLA. Making ten was the same price as one.

Thanks For That Info Good Info

[mayorrichard]

What does this special tool look like? And, can I get another degree of caster with this steering knuckle adjustment?

[Tony H]

I have heard that the 300SEL 6.3 has longer leaf springs allowing more castor. Has anyone heard this? Maybe they are available.
Edit-here's some I found on Ebay. Hard to tell if it's longer without a W108 one next to it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/165629752177?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-213727-13078-0&mkcid=2&itemid=165629752177&targetid=4580359295528871&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=437225724&mkgroupid=1228154759183859&rlsatarget=pla-4580359295528871&abcId=9300907&merchantid=51291&msclkid=16cb0f8cc8e81efe8cbb6bf8c688cd95

[dobrodan]

@mayorrichard The wrench is a semicircle with a tooth on the end which fits into the notched adjustment nut on the end of the bushing. I am out of town, but when I get home in a few days I will post a picture of the tool and the part number. The amount of adjustment you can get depends on where it is when you start. I have seen them adjusted too far in one or the other direction which can ruin the rubber seals.

[dobrodan]

Here's a picture of the caster wrench I had made. Part # 180 589 00 05.