Steering Wheel Off-center and lighter
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
2001 E430 Sport
Steering Wheel Off-center and lighter
Folks,
After I had my car re-aligned (they replaced my steering rack), I feel that my steering is lighter than it was BEFORE the alignment. Now my steering wheel is also offcenter - although the car tracks straight on highways. The lightness and the off-center steering is a little bothersome. Any advice on this?
Thanks!
After I had my car re-aligned (they replaced my steering rack), I feel that my steering is lighter than it was BEFORE the alignment. Now my steering wheel is also offcenter - although the car tracks straight on highways. The lightness and the off-center steering is a little bothersome. Any advice on this?
Thanks!
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2002 CLK430 Cab
Toe In
It was just a lazy mechanic (when this happened to me). When adjusting the toe in he didn't take the time to take the same amount out of each tie rod end. No need to take the steering wheel off, just demand the toe in be adjusted properly and equally with the wheel held in the center position. They even make an appliance for this purpose. It holds the wheel centered against the front seat.
The lightness or vagueness on center also could indicate incorrect toe in.
The lightness or vagueness on center also could indicate incorrect toe in.
Last edited by rkloster; Mar 28, 2005 at 03:40 PM.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Alpharetta, GA
1997 E420
Have a similar problem
I can't speak to the light feel of the steering but I recently hit the mother of all pot holes. It bent the rim and put the car out of alignment. When fixing it, it took a couple of trips to get the steering wheel back to center. Per MB specs the wheel can be up to 10 degrees off either way. Mine is still off to the right, but probably within the 10 degree spec.
Good luck...
Good luck...
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 455
Likes: 1
From: Fl
92 500sel/01 320e wag
I have never heard of the 10 degree rule, there is a MB tool to hold the wheel straigt and is suggested. The tie rod ends get a little rusted and sometimes lazy mechanics dont want to free them up. I had mine aligned a few years ago, and they put it back on the rack to perfectly center it.
Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: South San Francisco, CA
2001 E320 Sport
decided to revive this thread instead of making a new one
Hey guys I recently had my tires replaced and had an alignment done. Unfortunately I too have a "lighter" steering feel and it has a vague on center feel after the alignment. I already corrected the tired pressure to factory spec and I actually brought the car back in to make sure the alignment was done correctly, but it still feels light and has a vague on center feeling. I read in another thread posted by Zam2000 that he had all four camber bolts replaced when he had the alignment done on his w210. Is replacing those bolts recommended or required everytime you do an alignment for the w210? The tech didn't mention he replaced any of those bolts. The guy also said the toe was around -0.40 degrees on each front wheel and that it should have been 0.10 degrees, which according to him is why the car feels different now. Just to be sure, is that spec correct for the e-class or is he mistaken? Any suggestions is greatly appreciated. My car is using the OEM tire sizes 235/45ZR17 (Continental ContiExtremeContact) all around and the suspension is stock. I kind of wished I just took the e-class to the dealer instead, oh well maybe I'll take it to the dealer or mercedes specialist if the place I took it originally can't fix it. Thanks for your help in advance.
Last edited by adv074; Mar 12, 2006 at 05:03 AM. Reason: misspelled something
