1996 E320 Pulling To Right
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 36
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From: Houston, TX
2012 CLS 63 AMG PP
1996 E320 Pulling To Right
OK, I've had an alignment, 2 new front tires, swapped the two tires from one side to the other, and my car is still drifting to the right, any suggestions on how to fix this problem? Do I need to get my frame pulled?
Also,
My car's steering wheel shakes between 53-58 MPH. I have had 3 different places balance my front tires and the problem seems to persist. I have had the run around by everyone about how many different methods there are to balance a wheel, and I am definitely convinced that the problem does not lie in the wheels.
BTW, I have the 18" AMG Monoblock wheels on my car, and the car still vibrates with the plain old stock 16" wheels on.
You suggestions will be helpful, thanks...
Also,
My car's steering wheel shakes between 53-58 MPH. I have had 3 different places balance my front tires and the problem seems to persist. I have had the run around by everyone about how many different methods there are to balance a wheel, and I am definitely convinced that the problem does not lie in the wheels.
BTW, I have the 18" AMG Monoblock wheels on my car, and the car still vibrates with the plain old stock 16" wheels on.
You suggestions will be helpful, thanks...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,464
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
It's your bushing that cause vibration. Also, check the brake rotor, that can cause vibration too.
There're three things that affect alignment: toe (wheel in/out regarding to front of car), camber (wheel in/out regarding top of car), and castor (axle of suspension).
Most place would consider alignment perfect if toe and camber are in spec. When toe and camber are within spec, your tire will wear out evenly.
If castor is not correct (value on two side is not match), your tires will still wear out evenly, however, it MAY drift to one side, especially at speed over 30 mph.
Lot of place don't know how to adjust castor. Regular measurement equipment mostly are good for only toe/castor (visible). You need a pro to handle caster.
I hope this help.
There're three things that affect alignment: toe (wheel in/out regarding to front of car), camber (wheel in/out regarding top of car), and castor (axle of suspension).
Most place would consider alignment perfect if toe and camber are in spec. When toe and camber are within spec, your tire will wear out evenly.
If castor is not correct (value on two side is not match), your tires will still wear out evenly, however, it MAY drift to one side, especially at speed over 30 mph.
Lot of place don't know how to adjust castor. Regular measurement equipment mostly are good for only toe/castor (visible). You need a pro to handle caster.
I hope this help.
lower contol arm bushings
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
2012 CLS 63 AMG PP
Thanks for the replies.....
Is there anyway of visually looking at a lower control arm bushing and being able to tell it is bad? I had a mechanic look at it, but he stated that my bushings don't look worn out. I guess what I'm asking is could the control arm bushings be worn out and not visually show any signs of being bad?
I appreciated your previous replies and look forward to what input you can give me for what I have stated above.
Is there anyway of visually looking at a lower control arm bushing and being able to tell it is bad? I had a mechanic look at it, but he stated that my bushings don't look worn out. I guess what I'm asking is could the control arm bushings be worn out and not visually show any signs of being bad?
I appreciated your previous replies and look forward to what input you can give me for what I have stated above.
Newbie
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13
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My benz pull slightly to the right, steering wheel need to be constantly held little to left center for car to go straight, big pain for a guy who put in 100mile/day like me. 3 alignments at shop w/ latest equipment couldn't fix it. Dealer couldn't fix it. Since everything is in spec, they can't figure out what to do to have the car going straight.
I listen to some genious from mercedesshop.com forum and swap the two front tires (left/right swap), the problem go away.
I listen to some genious from mercedesshop.com forum and swap the two front tires (left/right swap), the problem go away.
