mtnman82

The last time I had my C230 in for service at the dealer, I had them do the comprehensive check (same check they do before you buy an extended warranty). They found the sacks on the tie rod ends had ripped and replaced them (along with the other service being done at the time). On the way home, I was bummed because I noticed a little pull to the right, and the steering wheel was no longer centered perfectly. I'm about 2.5 hours from the dealer (nearest one), and didn't really notice until I was over an hour away - the pull isn't that bad.

Anyway, I'm just out of warranty now, just had some new tires put on and figured I have the alignment taken care of too. The alignment guy (casual aquaintence whom I trust) told me the caster is off a little bit, but there is no way to adjust caster on these vehicles. He said the caster being off is the reason there is the pull to the right. He centered my steering wheel and asked me to call the MB dealer to ask if there are any parts or anything to adjust.

Before I called the dealer, I thought I ask on here. Anyone know if caster is adjustable on the '03 C230k ss's? If so, can you tell me how?? Thanks a bunch!!!!!

johnand

No, there is no way to adjust caster on your car. If caster is off, I suspect the car was in an accident. A good alignment tech can tweak the camber to help with the pull from incorrect caster, but at the expense of some possible tire wear depending on how far they take it.

There also may be a "touch" of play at the front strut mount to tweak caster.

Blake P

K-Mac makes the most comprehensive alignment kits for our vehicles, so their kits are the only ones that might allow for caster adjustment. I'm too lazy to do the research, but be my guest... http://www.k-mac.com.au/

mtnman82

Wow, I guess this is a lesson to cal lthe dealer right away if you notice something like this. I'm still going to call them, but doubt they'll do anything about it since it's been 5 months now. I honestly don't remember having any pull at all before I had it in that last time. Very bummed!!!!!

Thanks for the K-Mac link, Blake. Looks like kits for our cars are $495. I guess it's a matter of if the tires are wearing funny, and how much the pull bugs me ........

C230 Sport Coup

My car has an issue with Caster since new....
It was not in accident. But it's not noticeable when driving.
It only comes up when I'm getting an alignment.
The dealer tried to fix it and apparently could not.
They gave me new tires though, that was at 3K miles.

At that point, nothing else much I could do.