Tri-Star

So my car is pulling very hard to the right. I brought it into my local Firestone who said that their tech cannot align the car because they cannot center the steering wheel?! When they attempt to center the steering wheel it keeps pulling to the right and therefore they cannot loosen the tire rods? I've also heard some knocks within the past month when I turn hard to the left or right. Does anyone know what this issue could be?

I'm bringing it into the dealership but I know it will be expensive even for just the alignment. HELP!

Glyn M Ruck

They need to be able to loosen the tie rods. For castor & camber you need the fluted 3 way bolts - do you have?

On the alignment machine is the very best place to look for play in suspension components.

Tri-Star

As far as suspension goes, I have the stock components (bolts) except for H&R sport springs.They said when they loosen the tie rods the steering wheel pulls to the right and won't stay centered.

Glyn M Ruck

See here regarding bolts for caster & camber adjustment:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...need-help.html

& search for thread "any alignment experts here".

Please go to a decent alignment shop that can do a proper 4 Wheel alignment. I'm told Firestone only do toe.

Get the bolts & get this properly sorted. What they are telling you does not make sense.

Good luck!

Tri-Star

Thanks Glyn,

I think I am going to bring the car into Mercedes and have them check it out. I might just bite the bullet and have them fix the alignment and install my c32 muffler. I'll see how much this will run.

johnand

Glyn is right. What they are telling you makes no sense. Run far away from them and take it to a good alignment shop.

I had a bad experience at the dealer for alignment. It took 3 times for their newbie tech to get it right. But, when they replaced my steering rack under warranty, the head alignment tech was excellent. So, try to make sure they have the most experienced tech doing your alignment if taking it to the dealer.

TruTaing

I had a firestone tell me the couldnt adjust my rear camber. When I have a camber kit installed. Not all firestones are equally competent, as I have had my car aligned numerous times by other firestones.

Question for glyn/johnand - How much camber can be adjusted w/ those front fluted bolts? I currently have zero camber in the back and -1.6 in the front. I would love to prolong my front tire life a bit...

Tri-Star

Yeah I'm quite disappointed with this particular firestone. I purchased a lifetime alignment with them which after I bring it to the dealership I might request a refund if it was determined to be a simple job that should of done properly the first time around.

MooflesThaCat

If i'm not mistaken, you can use ANY firestone location when purchasing a lifetime alignment.

Tri-Star

This is true, however I am single with one car therefore I am going to the closest one which is about a 30-45 min jog if I can't get a ride to or from. I'll settle with them once the car is running properly. I'd rather be spending this money on mods.