hi to all,

This is my first post on mbworld, so let me say thanks for any and all feedback, and I look forward to visiting here often... that said, I'd now like to pick your brains.

I posted this at benzworld, but there seems to be more participation here on mbworld forums...

I need an alignment; I am wanting to go to my local Firestone to get it done, they are pretty good guys, and they have done work on my Toyota Tacoma on several occasions. Is this possible or does MB have to do it? I can get a lifetime alignment from Firestone for the cost MB would charge for one...

Also, how many of you guys are nursing a bad alignment?? I get the impression this is widespread.

My Sedan pulls to the right. (not the road, not tire pressure, etc...) I have kumho rubber...

Anyway, I appreciate the feedback!

 

if all it needs is toe adj firestone would be fine, it uses alignment bolts to adj camber caster it can get tricky if you don`t know what you are doing,,
you can try swapping the frt tires to see if it starts to pull left, if so you might just need tires. then you can have firestone adj your frt toe to make sure it is in spec, toe will wear your tires quickly

 

If whoever does it for you has the electronic equipment to do the job and knows how to use it then it should be OK. The kind of equipment that measures all the different alignment parameters and gives you a before and after printout. Make sure they input your car type/model (on the printout).
As mentioned, camber bolts may be required (available from Benz).

 

Any update as to how your car is now? Is it going straight?
I noticed many C drivers complaining about their cars pulling to the right. Mine does too. I have been told by an indie that Mercedes are designed that way as a safety feature. Not sure if I buy it though. Anyone confirm this?

 

That is nonsense. Do cars driven from the UK to Europe shift when they are on the chunnel train? I don't think the person who told you that is not properly informed.

A correct four wheel alignment will fix the pulling, and make the car a dream to pilot down the highway. If a dealer is not your first choice, try a 4 wheel drive shop. They seem to understand alignment a lot better than some other shops.

 

if it pulls a little to the right during high speeds on the highway, then its ok.

Keep in mind freeways are not perfectly flat. You dont want to drive through a huge pool of water on the freeway when it rains right? The road is slightly angled, so the water will naturally drain from the road.

if its pulling to the right when your driving at low speeds, then check your alignment and balance your wheels.

 

i had two indie shops and the dealer tell me its okay to pull a bit to the right. i had toe corrected at one of the shops, i opted not to have the camber bolts installed....cost vs. correction trade-off wasn't worth it.

also depends on your susp set-up that will determine what shops can do the work...