Wheel alignment problems.. front not adjustable?
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clk430
Wheel alignment problems.. front not adjustable?
The car drove fine, except the steering wheel was tilted to the right slightly. I took it somewhere to get fixed and this guy realigned the camber on the rear right wheel and tried to fix the front right but said it's not adjustable? And if it's off that means something was bent or damaged.
Well, after this moron touched the car it handles terrible. The steering wheel is LOOSE. It is not as responsible, i have to constantly counter-steer to feel like I'm in control. It's also tilted in the other direction now. I am going to go back there and tell him to put it to what it was at before, but I'm afraid it's messed up permanently.
Does anyone who had an alignment done and their car drives perfect and the steering is nice and tight without any uneven tirewear have a PRINT OUT by any chance? With the exact specs on it? I need to fix this becuase it's driving me crazy...
Well, after this moron touched the car it handles terrible. The steering wheel is LOOSE. It is not as responsible, i have to constantly counter-steer to feel like I'm in control. It's also tilted in the other direction now. I am going to go back there and tell him to put it to what it was at before, but I'm afraid it's messed up permanently.
Does anyone who had an alignment done and their car drives perfect and the steering is nice and tight without any uneven tirewear have a PRINT OUT by any chance? With the exact specs on it? I need to fix this becuase it's driving me crazy...
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From: Los Angeles, California
2000 CLK 430
that sounds right. no camber adjustment for either front or back, just toe, cant remember if there was caster, take it to a real alignment place, one that has been around for years, not those with the computer laser stuff, but the ones that use the old school tools to do the alignment
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
I've had an alignment on my CLK and camber is DEFINITELY adjustable. Mercedes-Benz has various camber bolts whose sole purpose is to adjust camber. You might want to consider taking it to a dealer for an alignment. My local dealer charges $99 AND they'll supply before and after printouts. Another benefit of using a dealer is you won't have to bring in the alignment specs. They already know that spec is based on ride height, so they'll measure the height and use the factory specs for that height. If you insist on using an independant shop, you may want to ask if they use a four camera digital rack. If not, you may want to keep shopping, because the front can only track as straight as the back allows.
One last thing to consider, if you bring alignment specs to a shop, and you're not satisfied with how the car handles when they're done, the shop may tell you that they aligned it to "your" specifications and offer to change it for another fee.
Absolute lastly, if you fill out your profile those who have access to the factory specs may look it up for you. However, it's doubtful anyone will post the specs for every variation (200/230K/320/430/55/US/ROW) of every year coupe and convertible.
One last thing to consider, if you bring alignment specs to a shop, and you're not satisfied with how the car handles when they're done, the shop may tell you that they aligned it to "your" specifications and offer to change it for another fee.
Absolute lastly, if you fill out your profile those who have access to the factory specs may look it up for you. However, it's doubtful anyone will post the specs for every variation (200/230K/320/430/55/US/ROW) of every year coupe and convertible.
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From: Los Angeles, California
2000 CLK 430
only do what marcus says if your car's camber is just slightly out of alignment on a stock car, if its more than 2 degree, it wont help much... the CAMBER IS NOT ADJUSTABLE the way the car is set up with the stock bolts from the manufacturer , you can buy some correction bolts like marcus says, which will make it adjustable only after you install the them, but it wont help much if its severely cambered. you will need a camber kit esp if your car is lowered. I have the camber kit and my tire wear have been great ever since
also last time i checked, the labor to put it those camber/crash bolts in was just as steep as installing the camber kit, so depending on how bad your camber is, you might want to go the route of the kit.
also last time i checked, the labor to put it those camber/crash bolts in was just as steep as installing the camber kit, so depending on how bad your camber is, you might want to go the route of the kit.
Last edited by CurYousGee; Jun 12, 2007 at 04:24 AM.
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
At my local dealership, camber bolts and their installation are included with a $99 alignment. The dealer stocks hundreds of these bolts, which vary in size based on ride height. MB camber bolts cost under a dollar a each (dealer cost) and take less than 10 minutes to install (when a Beissbarth bar is used). What prices were you quoted for camber bolts and installation with an alignment?
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From: NJ
w208
my dealer said $89 for the alignment ...n then around 50 if it needs camber bolts or wateva...but they obviously dont wanna put on my KMAC camber kit....so i gota find a spot to get that done at...
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
I like the part about $89, 
but $50 for camber bolts????
Camber bolts? It's a bolt. Aside from it costing less than a buck, they take yours off and use it on some other car later on. For $140 they should align the car AND balance the wheels. That's along with washing the car and giving you a free hat. Am I cheap, or what?
but $50 for camber bolts????
Camber bolts? It's a bolt. Aside from it costing less than a buck, they take yours off and use it on some other car later on. For $140 they should align the car AND balance the wheels. That's along with washing the car and giving you a free hat. Am I cheap, or what?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
BTW, I bought my car at a Southern California MB dealer called Walter's. They regularly email me info about their specials. I got this from them about a month ago:
As the summer months arrive, and we start going on our vacations and long drives, it's time to make sure your Clk430a is riding safely. Having a properly aligned suspension and good tires that have proper air pressure, are wearing evenly and are balanced properly can improve gas mileage, improve braking and handling capabilities, reduce pulling and vibrations and help prevent potential tire failure. To help you prepare, we would like to offer you the following special.
Complimentary Tire and Alignment Inspection Service*
Consider the following:
Sincerely,
Rob Deck
Service Manager
Walter's Mercedes-Benz
P.S. Don't forget to print this email and present it at time of write-up!
*Not valid on previous services. Cannot be combined with any other offer. See Service Advisor for complete details.
As the summer months arrive, and we start going on our vacations and long drives, it's time to make sure your Clk430a is riding safely. Having a properly aligned suspension and good tires that have proper air pressure, are wearing evenly and are balanced properly can improve gas mileage, improve braking and handling capabilities, reduce pulling and vibrations and help prevent potential tire failure. To help you prepare, we would like to offer you the following special.
Complimentary Tire and Alignment Inspection Service*
- Check front and rear alignment specs on factory approved M-B computerized alignment rack
- Check tire tread depth
- Check and adjust tire pressures
- Check for even tire wear
- Road test vehicle to check tire balancing and tracking
- Free carwash included
Consider the following:
- We use only factory approved wheel alignment and tire balancing equipment - most independent shops do not!
- Our alignment and tire technicians are factory trained - independent shop technicians are not and they work on all brands!
- We sell only factory approved and tested, original equipment tires!
- Our replacement OE tires come with 2-year road hazard coverage at no additional charge!
Sincerely,
Rob Deck
Service Manager
Walter's Mercedes-Benz
P.S. Don't forget to print this email and present it at time of write-up!
*Not valid on previous services. Cannot be combined with any other offer. See Service Advisor for complete details.
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From: Los Angeles, California
2000 CLK 430
wow...those prices arent bad, i was quoted $150 for the install, so after thinking about it, the install for the camber kit was $200 at a local alignment shop in monterey park. my camber was more than 2 degrees, so the alignment guy said it would be best to just get the kit since the camber bolts wont help much...but $99 for install and alignment is a great deal if it did the trick for you.
Newbie
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2001 CLK430
CLK alignment
I've had my CLK aligned two years ago before going to a track day with MBCA GWS at Virginia International Raceway. Had it rechecked about 6mos later ... it was still right on spot... alignment is adjustable... if shop knows what they're doing. IMHO, perhaps at this point, you should go back to a dealer and get it done right then find an independent that knows more... as someone else suggested. Good luck...let us know.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'03 E55 (My Daily), '01 ML 320 (Wifey), Twin Turbo '69 Camaro (In Progess)
Has anyone had a shop install the K-MAC kit in rear of their CLK? I took my ride to a local tire shop near myhouse and they claim to have needed to take the springs out to do the install. Apparently the bushing removal tool included in the kit broke almost instantly, making bushing removal a real PITA! What have others been charged for this install? I don't want to pay an arm and a leg, especially for an indy....
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clk430
Marcus you're the man. I guess I have to go to a dealer because everyone says its not adjustable. My steering wheel is tilted to the right and i have to tilt it slightly left to go straight. They say it can't be corrected and something is bent.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'03 E55 (My Daily), '01 ML 320 (Wifey), Twin Turbo '69 Camaro (In Progess)
Got my car out of the shop and I still need to do a K-MAC kit in the front but got the kit put in the reat today. The OEM bushings were stuck in place and had to use a torch to get them out. The car is noticeably different to drive as my front caster was way off. Now maybe I can more than a year without buying tires!
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CLK200
I have installed the K-mac rear camber kit. We removed the rear control arms and used a bench to press out the bushings. If you have a proper bench you don't need to torch them out.
I am going to do the front camber kit next. The bushings for the front are almost three times lager than the rear bushings. Full pressure on the bench is needed to push out the OEM front bushings. With this amount of pressure something could easily break. I have got my hands on a spare control arm to do a test run on before doing my car. I heard that it is not uncommon to need to torch out the OEM front bushings.
I am going to do the front camber kit next. The bushings for the front are almost three times lager than the rear bushings. Full pressure on the bench is needed to push out the OEM front bushings. With this amount of pressure something could easily break. I have got my hands on a spare control arm to do a test run on before doing my car. I heard that it is not uncommon to need to torch out the OEM front bushings.
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clk430
So my best solution is going to the dealer I take it. I had 2 independent shops do my alignment and it still drives horrible. It actually drove better before I took it there. It was straight but steering wheel was tilted. Now it's sloppy as hell and after second alignment it's still sloppy but also have to hold it at an angle to go straight and worst of all going over slightly uneven road throws the car in every direction, have to really hold on with two hands and countersteer constantly.
I watch them do alignments, they set those laser things on your wheels and then just turn what seems to be one adjustment until it falls into the 'range' of factory specs according to what it says on their machine. Almost everytime it drives crappy afterwards. I have a feeling they only do TOE. My buddy is a tech at Toyota and says independent shops do what is called "TOE AND GO" as on most cars toe adjustment will fix any pulling problems or what people typically associate with a bad alignment. Saves time but can still handle and feel like sh-t but most people can't tell anything and most FWD cars can drive ok with just toe adjusted.
So... Do I need camber bolts even if my car isn't lowered?
Thank you
I watch them do alignments, they set those laser things on your wheels and then just turn what seems to be one adjustment until it falls into the 'range' of factory specs according to what it says on their machine. Almost everytime it drives crappy afterwards. I have a feeling they only do TOE. My buddy is a tech at Toyota and says independent shops do what is called "TOE AND GO" as on most cars toe adjustment will fix any pulling problems or what people typically associate with a bad alignment. Saves time but can still handle and feel like sh-t but most people can't tell anything and most FWD cars can drive ok with just toe adjusted.
So... Do I need camber bolts even if my car isn't lowered?
Thank you
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CLK 430
I have the same problem, the car pulls out to the right side, i always have to countersteer, i try to do alingment once, didn't work ( At sears, go figure) dealer couldn't do it because the car had lower springs, now i will put new tires i got the stock springs on already, w'll see if it works. i will let you know.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: OC, CA
1999 CLK430 (sold) 03 CL55
I think my Tie-Rods are worn, so I'd have to get them replaced asap, anybody know how much those costs? I wanna replace them first before getting the car aligned.
This might sound like a dumb question and probably was answered somewhere else, but does our car need a camber kit?
This might sound like a dumb question and probably was answered somewhere else, but does our car need a camber kit?
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From: San Diego, CA
2004 E55 AMG
Did you get your alignment from them for $99 with the camber bolts? did you have it done recently? any idea on whether they'll give me crap for having a lowered car?
I need to get an alignment for my car very soon... but I'm on H&R springs, so i'm not sure if the dealer would want to work on it.
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From: San Diego, CA
2004 E55 AMG
At my local dealership, camber bolts and their installation are included with a $99 alignment. The dealer stocks hundreds of these bolts, which vary in size based on ride height. MB camber bolts cost under a dollar a each (dealer cost) and take less than 10 minutes to install (when a Beissbarth bar is used). What prices were you quoted for camber bolts and installation with an alignment?
Any idea on how I might be able to get that $99 alignment?
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Years ago, I bought my car at Walter's in Riverside. Living in Santa Clarita, my local dealer is Mercedes Benz of Valencia. I had my car aligned at MB of Valencia for less than $100 in January (w/MBCA discount).
Camber bolts for a W208 are part number 2103300018. They're $14 at full list, and commonly sold for $11. I see why Hersh was told they're $50. Why you were quoted $272 is a mystery.
Camber bolts for a W208 are part number 2103300018. They're $14 at full list, and commonly sold for $11. I see why Hersh was told they're $50. Why you were quoted $272 is a mystery.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: San Diego, CA
2004 E55 AMG
Years ago, I bought my car at Walter's in Riverside. Living in Santa Clarita, my local dealer is Mercedes Benz of Valencia. I had my car aligned at MB of Valencia for less than $100 in January (w/MBCA discount).
Camber bolts for a W208 are part number 2103300018. They're $14 at full list, and commonly sold for $11. I see why Hersh was told they're $50. Why you were quoted $272 is a mystery.
Camber bolts for a W208 are part number 2103300018. They're $14 at full list, and commonly sold for $11. I see why Hersh was told they're $50. Why you were quoted $272 is a mystery.
Had my car aligned today at an independent shop. Toe and caster was fine, but I have about -2 degrees of camber on all my wheels.. so it looks like I'll be needing the camber bolts.
Which service advisor should I talk to at MB of Valencia? and if you have their direct phone number I'd greatly appreciate it too.
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
I use Ismael Castro. Just call the general number and ask to speak to Ismael in Service.
Before you drive out, there is a small issue you may wish to consider, as your problem is different from that of the original poster -
MB camber bolts can make up about 2 degrees. When your alignment tech said two degrees, if he meant 2 degrees at a stationary ride height, MB factory bolts will NOT fix your problem. That's because camber is affected by ride height. Ride height changes when the car is in motion - it sits lower. The lower it sits, the more negative camber. Going on what most people report, using H&R springs on a W208 introduces more than 2 degrees of negative camber. This means you have to use non-factory parts to correct the issue.
To fix this properly on a lowered car, you can *try* EVO Sport camber bolts for the front. They're $8 a pop. I've never compared them to MB camber bolts, and they may be the same part for all I know. Per what most other owners claim, a K-Mac kit will fix the problem. That's for the front.
For the back, House of Power in Huntington Beach has a kit to address this. As does Speedybnz out of northern California. The Speedybnz kit replaces two of the rear links, versus HOP, which replaces four.
Before you drive out, there is a small issue you may wish to consider, as your problem is different from that of the original poster -
MB camber bolts can make up about 2 degrees. When your alignment tech said two degrees, if he meant 2 degrees at a stationary ride height, MB factory bolts will NOT fix your problem. That's because camber is affected by ride height. Ride height changes when the car is in motion - it sits lower. The lower it sits, the more negative camber. Going on what most people report, using H&R springs on a W208 introduces more than 2 degrees of negative camber. This means you have to use non-factory parts to correct the issue.
To fix this properly on a lowered car, you can *try* EVO Sport camber bolts for the front. They're $8 a pop. I've never compared them to MB camber bolts, and they may be the same part for all I know. Per what most other owners claim, a K-Mac kit will fix the problem. That's for the front.
For the back, House of Power in Huntington Beach has a kit to address this. As does Speedybnz out of northern California. The Speedybnz kit replaces two of the rear links, versus HOP, which replaces four.
