Wheel bolt alignment tool??
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
Wheel bolt alignment tool??
Are we supposed to have a wheel bolt alignment tool in out roadside kit? It would seem to be pretty much needed but I can not seem to find one. Guess we are just supposed to call Roadside Assistance....or grow and extra arm or two.
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From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
I've owned 15 new Mercedes, and this is the first time the wheel hanger was not included in the onboard tool kit.
My dealer's parts man ordered it for me, and let me have it gratis - he too couldn't believe they weren't including it with the car.
My dealer's parts man ordered it for me, and let me have it gratis - he too couldn't believe they weren't including it with the car.
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From: Toronto
2009 C300 4Matic
lol @ this old head continuously letting everyone know how many cars he owned...
lol... no disrespect.
on topic: ill need to grab one a these too... ill talk to the dealership.
Last edited by TB5...; Feb 24, 2009 at 10:30 AM.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
My point is and was that there's not much reason for the wheel hanger tool to have disappeared from the trunk. It must cost a grand total of what, $1 at the factory level? Of course, the rest of the tools that used to be part of the trunk kit have gone away, as well, on the [probably safe] assumption that you aren't going to attempt any roadside repairs.
Of course, I had to crawl under our '73 4.5 in the middle of the Mojave desert and tighten the transmission pan bolts to fix a leak 35 years ago, but that's another old fogey story that none of you want to hear....
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From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
I have worked on my own vehicles & others for almost a lifetime ( another old fogy) in this country ( Australia) & have never come across a wheel hanger tool. !!. Don't see them used in tyre workshops either.
Keep those old tales coming John.
Remember the saying "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
Keep those old tales coming John.
Remember the saying "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
Thread Starter
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
Maybe, like me, they meant clean hands, clean shoes and clean pants saver...you can't argue that the physical process of putting the wheel on requires a lot more strenth and balance and maybe luck without the hanger.
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
You got to be kidding right? So why would a part like this even be made? I see you are a MB Tech and that is great but these are to be used on the side of the road, not neccesarily on a lift. Traffic, unlevel roadsides, rain, mud etc can make it much harder to change a wheel. You arguing that "it can be done" is already understood. We already know "it can be done". How would the wheel be able to hold up the cars weight if it couldn't hang on the hub....
Can you honestly not admit that the hanger would at least be helpful?
Can you honestly not admit that the hanger would at least be helpful?
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From: Ohio
X3 and 2012 C coming soon
You got to be kidding right? So why would a part like this even be made? I see you are a MB Tech and that is great but these are to be used on the side of the road, not neccesarily on a lift. Traffic, unlevel roadsides, rain, mud etc can make it much harder to change a wheel. You arguing that "it can be done" is already understood. We already know "it can be done". How would the wheel be able to hold up the cars weight if it couldn't hang on the hub....
Can you honestly not admit that the hanger would at least be helpful?
Can you honestly not admit that the hanger would at least be helpful?
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From: Sweden
S213
I agree it could be helpful, but 8 out of 10 customers I have wouldnt know how to use the tool anyways.
My hangup is that so many seams to make a big deal out of this tool not supplied with the 204.
My hangup is that so many seams to make a big deal out of this tool not supplied with the 204.
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From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
Two observations:
- All Mercedes I've ever owned had this tool included, until our W204. This was the first time I had to go to the parts dept to order it.
-Try hanging a 48 lb tire / wheel combination "on the hub". Only somebody who has never tried it on a Mercedes would suggest you can do this without the whole thing falling on the ground. The hub is less than a quarter inch deep. It's there to locate the assembly with the bolts attached, not hold the wheel without them.
I do all of my own rotations at home in the garage - the wheel hanger is essential to making this exercise possible at all.
- All Mercedes I've ever owned had this tool included, until our W204. This was the first time I had to go to the parts dept to order it.
-Try hanging a 48 lb tire / wheel combination "on the hub". Only somebody who has never tried it on a Mercedes would suggest you can do this without the whole thing falling on the ground. The hub is less than a quarter inch deep. It's there to locate the assembly with the bolts attached, not hold the wheel without them.
I do all of my own rotations at home in the garage - the wheel hanger is essential to making this exercise possible at all.
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08 MB
I have had my wheels off numerous times and have never struggled or had an issue putting a wheel on as Vic mentioned. On the other hand if people think the "tool" is easier for them to install a wheel then there is no wrong with that either.
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From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Tool
Picture hanging a 50 lb 18" rear wheel on a hub on a dark night alongside the road. That little threaded shaft is a must.
I also bought one when the last mile long thread on this subject was current.
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From: Sweden
S213
There's no reason for the snide remark as Vic just stated a simple "fact" from my experience. I agree with Vic that the wheel can be "slightly" hung on the hub, then held from falling off with one hand, and then start a bolt with the other hand. I know this to be true as I can rotate the wheel as it hangs on the hub if not perfectly aligned as I start my first bolt.
I have had my wheels off numerous times and have never struggled or had an issue putting a wheel on as Vic mentioned. On the other hand if people think the "tool" is easier for them to install a wheel then there is no wrong with that either.
I have had my wheels off numerous times and have never struggled or had an issue putting a wheel on as Vic mentioned. On the other hand if people think the "tool" is easier for them to install a wheel then there is no wrong with that either.
Sure I mount a lot of wheels with cars raised, but as our workshop has MB 24h Service on call, I have went out on numerous late night flat tires, and yes I have mounted a lot of spares in pitch black darkness, freezing temperatures and ten inches of snow.
But I dont say its wrong to use the tool, I just find it a bit strong to call it a life saver.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Orange, Australia
C220CDI
You know, I never knew such a thing existed! I have had access to, or owned, 4 Mercedes ranging from late 60s models to a 2008 W204. And in my younger days I worked in my family service station/tyre repair business and change tyres on many more Mercedes. In all that time I don't recall seeing such a device.
But I will be visiting my dealer to purchase one now I know about them. Changing a tyre in snow and ice isn't something I have to worry about in Australia, but I can see usefull these things can be.
But I will be visiting my dealer to purchase one now I know about them. Changing a tyre in snow and ice isn't something I have to worry about in Australia, but I can see usefull these things can be.
