is getting an alignment a waste of time?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 171
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From: ontario, Canada
C230 COUPE 2003 M271
is getting an alignment a waste of time?
Well I am reading over and over that our camber and caster are not adjustable without buying special hardware and it has got me thinking.
The last time I had an alignment done the service bill just said "toe adjusted" and it was the typical price of a fixed rate adjustment. The service for checking alignment here costs only 20 bucks without adjustments, and 100 for what they call a 4 wheel alignment. It almost seems dishonest to me that every place charges flat alignment rates of $100 like this when they can really only adjust the toe anyways (without buying camber bolts) When a lot of savvy people are adjusting their toe themselves within a tolerance acceptable for a car of this age. I realize I am talking to the specific people who do work on their cars themselves and I am saying 'acceptable' not perfect but is it really worth it paying for a professional alignment when in reality they are just adjusting the toe?
The last time I had an alignment done the service bill just said "toe adjusted" and it was the typical price of a fixed rate adjustment. The service for checking alignment here costs only 20 bucks without adjustments, and 100 for what they call a 4 wheel alignment. It almost seems dishonest to me that every place charges flat alignment rates of $100 like this when they can really only adjust the toe anyways (without buying camber bolts) When a lot of savvy people are adjusting their toe themselves within a tolerance acceptable for a car of this age. I realize I am talking to the specific people who do work on their cars themselves and I am saying 'acceptable' not perfect but is it really worth it paying for a professional alignment when in reality they are just adjusting the toe?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
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From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
I believe the rear suspension on these cars have a toe adjustment as well. so technically it is a 4 wheel adjustment.
That being said, unless you hit a curb and really whacked your suspension out of alignment, and if your car drives relatively straight, then you probably can live with just a front toe check and you can do it youself with a tape measure and a couple of wrenches.
I stopped paying for alignments long ago. My tires wear very evenly and my cars steer very straight
That being said, unless you hit a curb and really whacked your suspension out of alignment, and if your car drives relatively straight, then you probably can live with just a front toe check and you can do it youself with a tape measure and a couple of wrenches.
I stopped paying for alignments long ago. My tires wear very evenly and my cars steer very straight
Last edited by jkowtko; Feb 26, 2015 at 10:12 AM.
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 904
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From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, eh!
2003 C230 Sports Coupe, Paprika Metallic Red, Auto, Pano, Leather
If you notice car isn't going as straight as it should or see uneven tire wear then you should get a proper alignment. Mercedes should have their alignments done at MB dealership or MB indy that have specialized alignment equipment. MB Indy like McNally near Finch & Keele in North York.
I wonder what the concensus is for the DIY community.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
I had the rear toe reduced to the low end of manufacturer specifications (-0.2 degrees on each side). That weird sideways skip when we go over bumps was drastically reduced. In theory one can get away with an even lower setting.
To adjust the rear toe, the mechanic needs a 12mm "triple square" socket. Why they didn't just use an external Torx or hex nut like everywhere else in the car is completely beyond me.
To adjust the rear toe, the mechanic needs a 12mm "triple square" socket. Why they didn't just use an external Torx or hex nut like everywhere else in the car is completely beyond me.
Last edited by slammer111; Feb 28, 2015 at 07:48 AM.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
With any suspension work you really should do an alignment imho. Why I have the lifetime alignment at Firestone plus they're one of two shops around that has an in ground alignment machine.
