Alignment Issue - Firestone can't align the car?!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 309
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From: Charlotte, NC
C320 4Matic & GLK350 4Matic
Alignment Issue - Firestone can't align the car?!
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!
I'm bringing it into the dealership but I know it will be expensive even for just the alignment. HELP!
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
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.
On the alignment machine is the very best place to look for play in suspension components.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
C320 4Matic & GLK350 4Matic
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
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!
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!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 309
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From: Charlotte, NC
C320 4Matic & GLK350 4Matic
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.
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.
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 64
From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
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.
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.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 22
From: Seattle
w203 m112
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...
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...
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
C320 4Matic & GLK350 4Matic
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.
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.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 309
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From: Charlotte, NC
C320 4Matic & GLK350 4Matic
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.
