Car still pulling slightly right after alignment by dealer question.
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Joined: May 2010
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C63 AMG 2009
Car still pulling slightly right after alignment by dealer question.
My 2009 with 27k mls recently had an alignment at the dealer because it was pulling right. Never had any problems, no collisions ever but I have to admit I live in Houston in town with some of the worst pothole littered roads in the world. Always drive very cautiously , slow down to crawl when needed to reduce impact, all the time to the point that I wonder what is the point of owning this fantastic piece of machinery unless you have a truck for day to day driving. I did have a torn up left front tire a few weeks ago on the freeway which actually did not blow but I had to stop and put the spare on which I drove again cautiously to the tire store where it was replaced. I replaced all tires, balanced etc but since that event the car has been pulling right. Dropped it off at the dealer who did an alignment which cost close to $400.00 which included a set of spacers specifically for the c63 which is necessary to get the car aligned properly, so I was told. Since I got the car back the car steers close to neutral but I still have to continue correcting to the left to keep going straight on the freeway. When I called the dealer they told me they are happy to take it back in but they also said that if they make an other adjustment the alignment may over correct which may cause it to start pulling slightly left.
Any suggestions ?
Thank you.
Any suggestions ?
Thank you.
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: NY
E63S | X5
In general, when a car is in spec it isn't uncommon for it to pull slightly to the right. The way you make it sound it is pretty near perfect to going straight. I bet it is within spec for the dealer and you definitely don't want it to pull slightly left.
Reason for the slight right and in spec is so you dont slowly guide yourself into oncoming traffic and end up slightly in the shoulder on the right instead if you ever have a lapse in paying attention. It's a safety thing.
As long as you aren't fighting the wheel to keep it in your lane you'll be fine.
Reason for the slight right and in spec is so you dont slowly guide yourself into oncoming traffic and end up slightly in the shoulder on the right instead if you ever have a lapse in paying attention. It's a safety thing.
As long as you aren't fighting the wheel to keep it in your lane you'll be fine.
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 125
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From: Scotts valley, Ca.
2013 C63 coupe P31
I struggled with this same issue. It was very irritating to me that every other car I've ever owned was able to track in one lane without departing in a reasonable amount of time/distance.
Dealer gave me the same run around of "safety" we'll I'd respectfully dispute that a car driving straight is safer than one that pulls in either direction.
Road crown will also be a factor in tracking as in any vehicle.
After 3 visits to the dealer, a new tire and two alignments it now tracks perfectly straight.
You should also monitor your TPMS sensors especially once warm to ensure you don't just have a low tire.
Dealer gave me the same run around of "safety" we'll I'd respectfully dispute that a car driving straight is safer than one that pulls in either direction.
Road crown will also be a factor in tracking as in any vehicle.
After 3 visits to the dealer, a new tire and two alignments it now tracks perfectly straight.
You should also monitor your TPMS sensors especially once warm to ensure you don't just have a low tire.
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 227
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From: Planet Earth
2011 C63 P31 2015 BMW X5M Schwarz Einhorn w/Bootmod3
My 2009 with 27k mls recently had an alignment at the dealer because it was pulling right. Never had any problems, no collisions ever but I have to admit I live in Houston in town with some of the worst pothole littered roads in the world. Always drive very cautiously , slow down to crawl when needed to reduce impact, all the time to the point that I wonder what is the point of owning this fantastic piece of machinery unless you have a truck for day to day driving. I did have a torn up left front tire a few weeks ago on the freeway which actually did not blow but I had to stop and put the spare on which I drove again cautiously to the tire store where it was replaced. I replaced all tires, balanced etc but since that event the car has been pulling right. Dropped it off at the dealer who did an alignment which cost close to $400.00 which included a set of spacers specifically for the c63 which is necessary to get the car aligned properly, so I was told. Since I got the car back the car steers close to neutral but I still have to continue correcting to the left to keep going straight on the freeway. When I called the dealer they told me they are happy to take it back in but they also said that if they make an other adjustment the alignment may over correct which may cause it to start pulling slightly left.
Any suggestions ?
Thank you.
Any suggestions ?
Thank you.
Simple solution: Swap front tires and do a road test. Keep in mind some tires are directional and/or have outside stamped on them... I'm curious about what the outcome is. Good luck.
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Mercedes-Benz CLK 550
My 2009 with 27k mls recently had an alignment at the dealer because it was pulling right. Never had any problems, no collisions ever but I have to admit I live in Houston in town with some of the worst pothole littered roads in the world. Always drive very cautiously , slow down to crawl when needed to reduce impact, all the time to the point that I wonder what is the point of owning this fantastic piece of machinery unless you have a truck for day to day driving. I did have a torn up left front tire a few weeks ago on the freeway which actually did not blow but I had to stop and put the spare on which I drove again cautiously to the tire store where it was replaced. I replaced all tires, balanced etc but since that event the car has been pulling right. Dropped it off at the dealer who did an alignment which cost close to $400.00 which included a set of spacers specifically for the c63 which is necessary to get the car aligned properly, so I was told. Since I got the car back the car steers close to neutral but I still have to continue correcting to the left to keep going straight on the freeway. When I called the dealer they told me they are happy to take it back in but they also said that if they make an other adjustment the alignment may over correct which may cause it to start pulling slightly left.
Any suggestions ?
Thank you.
Any suggestions ?
Thank you.
There is only front and rear Toe adjustment OEM!
Reason dealers/alignment shops cannot get it right to accurately resolve steering pull, premature edge tire wear, is that for the front only inaccurate, one position offset "crash bolts" are available for Camber and Caster adjustment.
K-MAC saw the need to "fix it right the first time" with front kits providing twice the adjustment capability and most importantly allowing "precise/fine tuned" adjustment.
These K-MAC patented design bushings at same time replace the four highest wearing, front end bushings. Their 2 axis/self aligning and with twice the load bearing area of OEM and there's no special tools required to fit.
So now for the first time precise/quick (single wrench - on car) full ongoing adjustment - for curb knock damage, altering height, load carrying or fitting wide profile tires. Allowing return to factory specs with improved tire wear, traction, high speed directional control, better steering and braking response.
Same with the K-MAC rear kits - providing precise Camber adjustment capacity and extra Toe to compensate for the new Camber facility.
With below advantages over the alternative rear "upper adjustable link arms with rigid spherical bearing rod ends".
1. The K-MAC patented design moves bottom of the tire inwards to resolve premature inner edge wear/improve traction. While "upper arms" move top of tire outwards reducing important tire to outer fender clearance.
2. K-MAC elastomer bushings for extended life - having proven themselves over the last 18 years. While anyone in the race industry would point out it is not long before rigid rod ends soon pound out allowing metal to metal contact.
What we are offering MB World Members USA/Canada for the month of May is freight cost of $25 FedEx air for one kit or $35 for front and rear kits. FedEx delivery time averages out at 3 days.
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2017 C63S coupe '09 C63, '15 Durango RT, '14 Jeep SRT8
In general, when a car is in spec it isn't uncommon for it to pull slightly to the right. The way you make it sound it is pretty near perfect to going straight. I bet it is within spec for the dealer and you definitely don't want it to pull slightly left. Reason for the slight right and in spec is so you dont slowly guide yourself into oncoming traffic and end up slightly in the shoulder on the right instead if you ever have a lapse in paying attention. It's a safety thing. As long as you aren't fighting the wheel to keep it in your lane you'll be fine.
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From: Texas
10 C six trizzle
Im still waiting on the specs so i can tell him what it needs to drive better
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From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
A properly aligned car does not pull to either side - the "pull" you are experiencing is because of the crown of the road. If you were to drive the same car in England or Australia (or play chicken with oncoming traffic in the other lane in the US and other places where they drive on the right) it would pull to the left.
Having said that, I have seen many "factory" alignment specs on various cars that call for a slightly different toe on the fronts for this very reason.
Having said that, I have seen many "factory" alignment specs on various cars that call for a slightly different toe on the fronts for this very reason.
Last edited by Diabolis; May 7, 2014 at 03:39 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
You're right. Good catch!
Some manufacturers - not MB though - user slightly uneven caster to achieve a gentle pull to one side.
When I think about it, tire pressure differences, uneven tire wear or a sticking brake caliper would be much more likely culprits if the car pulls to one side on a flat road.
Some manufacturers - not MB though - user slightly uneven caster to achieve a gentle pull to one side.
When I think about it, tire pressure differences, uneven tire wear or a sticking brake caliper would be much more likely culprits if the car pulls to one side on a flat road.
Last edited by Diabolis; May 8, 2014 at 09:16 AM.
