Robert Watson

I was reading about a certain "special" tool that dealerships use for the Benz, so would it be best to go to a dealership/certified shop, or is Firestone ok?

Dynotrick

I asked about adjusting the rear toe settings to lessen the inside rear tire wear and was told it needs to be done on a special frame alignment machine, not sure of the details or if that's really true. I'd like to know a definitive answer for this also.

They told me they could refer me to a specialized shop for it, but it would be a waste of time and money since it's apparently normal for the insides to wear like that.

Carsy

My inside rears have always worn excessively because of the normal setup which are all within specifications.

This set up is supposed to give the best handling.

I am lucky that I can rotate my tyres & do not have the ridiculous, trendy, wasteful & expensive larger size on the rear.

Robert Watson

My inside don't wear and I didn't even go staggered with my 19's. Im running 245 all around non directional pirellis so I can rotate mine too.

I do have a wide rim so I can actually slap on a 265 on the rear which I might do because I also already ordered 10mm spacers.

Anyways, I'm thinking I'm just gonna buy a package from Firestone and have them do the alignment. Should be fine right? From me being underneath the car, everything looks pretty standard suspension wise. I'm ready to blow this stick turbo and custom mount a T3 still doing research on which shop to do the tuning and working with a few machine shops. These direct injected engines have to be tuned a certain way.

K-Mac

ONLY ADJUSTMENT DEALERS OR ALIGNMENT SHOPS HAVE TO WORK WITH IS FRONT AND REAR TOE !

NO CAMBER OR CASTER TO RESOLVE PREMATURE/COSTLY EDGE TIRE WEAR, STEERING PULL OR TO COMPENSATE FOR ALTERING HEIGHT, LOAD CARRYING, FITTING WIDE PROFILE TIRES/WHEELS OR SIMPLY HAVING ONGOING ADJUSTMENT CAPABILITY TO RETURN TO FACTORY SPECS AFTER CURB KNOCK DAMAGE. TRACK DAYS NOT BEING ABLE TO REDUCE UNDERSTEER/LAPTIMES – BY GOING DEEPER INTO THE CORNERS WITH IMPROVED TRACTION AND BRAKING RESPONSE!

WE SAW THE NEED THEREFORE – to reinstate the OEM precise Camber and Caster adjustment facilities of the early 90’s. By designing both Front and Rear kits to suit virtually every model Mercedes up to 2015 (Sedans, Wagons, SUV’s, Commercials).

You can fit offset bolts (front only), but the major problem here is that they are inaccurate "one only position" bolts, offering a minimal .3 of one degree which equates to only 3mm (1/8") offset.

Instead the unique K-MAC patented design adjustable bushing kits offer up to 4 times this adjustment range and are precisely adjustable. Meaning you can dial in "accurately (under load) direct on alignment rack.

Fixing it right the 1st time – ending the frustration of ongoing visits to dealers or alignment shops or continually changing tire brands because of both the minimal adjustment provided and the inaccuracy of these “one only position” bolts.

CAMBER – Allows to actually change the tire contact angle, improving wear/traction/understeer/oversteer.

CASTER – Resolves steering pull, increases steering response. With better turn in and high speed directional control, along with improved anti dive/lift under brake and acceleration.

FRONT (Camber and Caster) – Added bonus is that the K-MAC bushes also replace the 4 highest wearing bushes. We have the experience of manufacturing suspension bushings now for over 50 years and the design features twice the load bearing area. Along with the OEM air voided, oil filled bushings being eliminated, yet with essential 2 axis movement being retained. Result is also improved brake and steering response.

REAR (Camber and extra Toe) – Unlike “Camber Arms” which to reduce inner edge tire wear must move “top of tire outwards” reducing all important clearance to outer fender – K-MAC bushings adjust lower arm “inwards”. Again precise “single wrench” adjustment – supplied with bush extraction tool so can be fitted on vehicle. With extra Toe adjustment to compensate for the new Camber facility.



W204 FRONT – Camber and Caster kit #502616K $480
REAR – Camber and extra Toe kit #502226K $480

Current promotion MB World members (USA/Canada) delivery one kit $30US or $40US front and rear. Can pay with Visa, MasterCard or PayPal.

See link for latest 2015 Catalog suit Mercedes (kits AUDI to Volvo – World’s largest range). http://K-mac.com/mercedes/

95Sinned420

You came asking a simple question and got people trying to sell you **** lol

Welcome to the internet

Robert Watson

Yea wow. I'm cool on that kit. I'm asking a simple question but besides trying to get to know a "potential" customer, to be very impersonal with bombing my head with advertisement.....yea, definitely not going to be a customer, but looks like a great "retro" product.


Anyways, does Firestone seem ok?

Carsy

I would ask around & ascertain whether Firestone is familiar with European cars.

Do they know the correct lifting points ?

Do they know what to torque your nuts?

Do they have your alignment figures?

Will they give you the before & after readings ?

What is their warranty terms ?

Robert Watson

They have a program where they can look up factory specs, nut I will advise them of the Toe I want, and the camber. The package I am purchasing is a lifetime alignment package, so I vould even take it in 7 days a week and have an alignment performed every single day.

Carsy

Excellent & good luck.

95Sinned420

Yes, Firestone is fine. As with Les Schwab and other companies. These cars aren't special when it comes to suspension components, it's a basic setup.

Dynotrick

Interesting that my indy shop that specializes in MB and has a nice alignment machine would say they can't do it and offer to refer me to a specialized shop for a rear toe adjustment. Not sure what to think on this now.

MB Marko

I went for an alignment at a apparently reputable shop threw away 100$ i should of just went to the dealer right away it was 40$ more... serves me right for being cheep hahaha lesson learned for me just pay a little more to get the job done right i have no issues anymore.

Robert Watson

Pep boys said that the car needed to bring a full tank of gas, and needed special weights that they did not have.

AZN Optics

Special tool is news to me. I had my 204 aligned at various wheel shops (hunter system) before and none mentioned needing anything special. You're local socal so might be interested in the same shops I used (King's Tire & Wheels in El Monte, The Wheel Supply in Walnut, Ballade Sports in Garden Grove, Benzworks in Huntington). I'll ask around in the morning to see if they had anything special to work on aligning my car.

Dizm

Nah, no special tools needed. I got my alignment very close myself with hand tools and a laser pointer then brought it to a regular local shop here to align.

The most "special" tool needed that I know of is a triple square for the rear toe. But any decent mechanic will have that.

Carsy

"Special weights" are to replace occupants & baggage to have the suspension suppressed to align correctly.

Just take a few of your sons footballer mates to sit it in for 30 minutes.

AZN Optics

So in other words, fill your car with sand bags when you get your alignment done. Can also double as a cheap way to lower you car without replacing suspension components.

Robert Watson

haha, yea that actually makes sense. thanks for your input guys. Azn I will try one of those places you mentioned. Thank you!

vipsa

Firestone around me and I had a bit of a disagreement on the last car I had them align. It got to the point where they flat out refused to talk to me or do any work on the car as it had "aftermarket suspension".

The imbeciles could not get my steering wheel straight LOL. So YMMV if your car is stock, they might be able to do it and work with you if they screw something up.

So now I just take it to an indy that knows what they're doing.