Does All Mercedes Benz's Pull to the Right??
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,975
Likes: 1,343
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Changing the subject slightly how many of you with 17 in wheels find the the car wants to tramline or follow worn surfaces in the road. I drive on I75 which sees a lot of interstate truck traffic. With my Audi it would follow the grooves if you will in the road until I replaced the Dunlaps with new Michelins. The E350 is all over the road (somewhat of an exageration but it doesn't trackl as well as my A4 which is very unMercedeslike in my experience) with the OEM Contis. I concerned even with new tires the 245/45/17 are still going wander. Whats your experience/ recommendations?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Changing the subject slightly how many of you with 17 in wheels find the the car wants to tramline or follow worn surfaces in the road. I drive on I75 which sees a lot of interstate truck traffic. With my Audi it would follow the grooves if you will in the road until I replaced the Dunlaps with new Michelins. The E350 is all over the road (somewhat of an exageration but it doesn't trackl as well as my A4 which is very unMercedeslike in my experience) with the OEM Contis. I concerned even with new tires the 245/45/17 are still going wander. Whats your experience/ recommendations?
I have noticed that when the road is grooved / worn where normal traffic rolls, it does want to track in the groove.
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
97 BMW 740iL / 00 MBZ E320 4MATIC
Well, I dropped off my E for service the other day. It has a list of problems, the biggest being that the car stopped producing heat?
Good thing I live in Florida and it's 85 degrees!!
Anyway, another problem is that the car always pulls to the right. When I mentioned this to my service associate, he told me that all Benz's pull to the Right. He said I could take out a new S550 and it will do it.
He then went on to tell me that it also has someting to do with Florida roads.
Does anyone else have this problem. I am starting to think that they don't want to fix the problem if there is a problem. It is a CPO, so I think I would be covered. I was thinking of having it looked at by another dealer or one of those private MB servicing centers.
Thanks for the responses.
Joe
Good thing I live in Florida and it's 85 degrees!!Anyway, another problem is that the car always pulls to the right. When I mentioned this to my service associate, he told me that all Benz's pull to the Right. He said I could take out a new S550 and it will do it.
He then went on to tell me that it also has someting to do with Florida roads. Does anyone else have this problem. I am starting to think that they don't want to fix the problem if there is a problem. It is a CPO, so I think I would be covered. I was thinking of having it looked at by another dealer or one of those private MB servicing centers.
Thanks for the responses.
Joe
Where do they find these people to work at Mercedes dealerships? Right off the street corner.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Set right wheel caster my guess 1 degree more positive than left and be within total cross caster limits it will probably drive straight. Most shops want to set everything exactly in the middle of the caster limits which will guarantee a right pull.
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
97 BMW 740iL / 00 MBZ E320 4MATIC
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
But if you adjust right wheel to high side but within range it will compensate and drive straight. It's is pure bunk to believe someone builds a car that won't drive straight.
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
97 BMW 740iL / 00 MBZ E320 4MATIC
The pull to the right when everything is set in the center of the range. If this is where you set it, then it will pull right.
But if you adjust right wheel to high side but within range it will compensate and drive straight. It's is pure bunk to believe someone builds a car that won't drive straight.
But if you adjust right wheel to high side but within range it will compensate and drive straight. It's is pure bunk to believe someone builds a car that won't drive straight.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
There is also a total cross camber which varies for each car.
Assume cross camber total is 2.5.
You could set right side to +1.3 and left side to -0.7 for total cross of 2.0 be within the total 2.5 AND still be both L and R within the - 1.5 to + 1.5
This was example for undersanding only. You can ask what is the range on camber AND ask what is total cross camber limits to see how much range you can work with. Remember if it is -1.5 to + 1.5 the center is 0 but you don't have to set 0 that is why they give you a range so you can set it to drive the way you want.
Most shops won't tell you this they only show you green numbers to show you are "in range' but it may not drive straight. It is way easier to say "they all drive that way" than to take the time to make the proper caster settings and drive it then recheck / drive again. So this might cost you more, but it really should not.
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
97 BMW 740iL / 00 MBZ E320 4MATIC
Yes. If the range was - 1.5 to + 1.5 and the center is 0 most shops set on 0.
There is also a total cross camber which varies for each car.
Assume cross camber total is 2.5.
You could set right side to +1.3 and left side to -0.7 for total cross of 2.0 be within the total 2.5 AND still be both L and R within the - 1.5 to + 1.5
This was example for undersanding only. You can ask what is the range on camber AND ask what is total cross camber limits to see how much range you can work with. Remember if it is -1.5 to + 1.5 the center is 0 but you don't have to set 0 that is why they give you a range so you can set it to drive the way you want.
Most shops won't tell you this they only show you green numbers to show you are "in range' but it may not drive straight. It is way easier to say "they all drive that way" than to take the time to make the proper caster settings and drive it then recheck / drive again. So this might cost you more, but it really should not.
There is also a total cross camber which varies for each car.
Assume cross camber total is 2.5.
You could set right side to +1.3 and left side to -0.7 for total cross of 2.0 be within the total 2.5 AND still be both L and R within the - 1.5 to + 1.5
This was example for undersanding only. You can ask what is the range on camber AND ask what is total cross camber limits to see how much range you can work with. Remember if it is -1.5 to + 1.5 the center is 0 but you don't have to set 0 that is why they give you a range so you can set it to drive the way you want.
Most shops won't tell you this they only show you green numbers to show you are "in range' but it may not drive straight. It is way easier to say "they all drive that way" than to take the time to make the proper caster settings and drive it then recheck / drive again. So this might cost you more, but it really should not.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
My alignmentis based on car in satisfactory condition. If you have mechanical problems you must fix them 1st.
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
97 BMW 740iL / 00 MBZ E320 4MATIC
But the rear sub frame mounts might be something that could be overlooked since most people are familiar with ball joints, tie rods, and or control arm bushings as likely or commonly known failing parts.
Just something for one to consider if still scratching their heads after replacing all the front end parts.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2006 e350
my car also pulls to right even after two alighment jobs at MB
I put in a set of radial tyre(directional tire) at costco. MB did alighnment. Notice pulling to passenger side a lot, they rotate the tires and gets better, still pull to the side. They said it is recommended to use non-directional tire and not after market tire.
Now, when I drive a straight center lane, I notice the steering wheel will turn away from center position towards right, and the car pulls to the passenger side.
Can the SetBack be adjusted for each front wheel?
Now, when I drive a straight center lane, I notice the steering wheel will turn away from center position towards right, and the car pulls to the passenger side.
Can the SetBack be adjusted for each front wheel?
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
97 BMW 740iL / 00 MBZ E320 4MATIC
I put in a set of radial tyre(directional tire) at costco. MB did alighnment. Notice pulling to passenger side a lot, they rotate the tires and gets better, still pull to the side. They said it is recommended to use non-directional tire and not after market tire.
Now, when I drive a straight center lane, I notice the steering wheel will turn away from center position towards right, and the car pulls to the passenger side.
Can the SetBack be adjusted for each front wheel?
Now, when I drive a straight center lane, I notice the steering wheel will turn away from center position towards right, and the car pulls to the passenger side.
Can the SetBack be adjusted for each front wheel?
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
97 BMW 740iL / 00 MBZ E320 4MATIC
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
E350 2008
Pulling to right
I have been facing the same problem where the car is pulling to the right.
I got the car into the MB agency, and they fixed the readings(Toe, caster and camber), but the pulling is still. It is really frustrating and is driving joyless!!!
I got the car into the MB agency, and they fixed the readings(Toe, caster and camber), but the pulling is still. It is really frustrating and is driving joyless!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
sure and they probably tell you everything is in the green and center of range. And there is your problem. I have written on this too many times before. Go to a real shop that can align a front end and this can be fixed. The problem is MB dealers put everything on center but don't build 100% of their cars identical. Increase the right front caster, stay within total cross caster.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,702
Likes: 178
Mercedes-Benz CLK 550
Steering pull - Fix it right the 1st. time (Front and Rear) with K-MAC
Ex-factory there is only front and rear Toe adjustment for virtually all Mercedes 1968 to current models (and same with Chrysler Crossfire and 300C etc).
We saw the need and were the very first company to manufacture precisely adjustable front Camber and Caster bushing kits with twice the adjustment range of the basic one setting offset bolts.
Then for the rear, K-MAC Camber adjuster kits, which have the advantage (unlike upper adjustable arms/DIY kits) of not moving the top of the tire outwards when adjusting to resolve premature inner edge wear - which is an important factor to prevent tires scuffing outer fenders if wide profile tires/rims fitted.
Another advantage with K-MAC rear kits - unlike spherical bearings used in these upper arm kits, there is no harsh metal to metal contact and 20 years of the proven design - there’s certainly no squeaks.
Also all K-MAC rear Camber adjusters include extra Toe adjustment which is essential to compensate accurately for the new Camber facility!
The K-MAC patented design front kits replace the 4 main suspension bushes - the unique 2 axis/self aligning design also doubles the load bearing area thereby increasing wear life and also steering and braking response.
Similar design is used for the 4 main rear K-MAC bushings.
Result is precise single wrench front and rear (ongoing) adjustment to return vehicle to factory specs to improve traction, compensate for steering pull, costly inner edge tire wear through altering height, fitting wide profile tires, load carrying, curb-knock damage and/or the advantage of being able to alter specs, improve lap times on track days and with genuine K-MAC you also do not need to purchase special fitting tools.
Product confidence with K-MAC is further assured by our total, ongoing commitment to motor racing – all out 10/10ths competition testing keeps K-MAC products always at the forefront re cutting edge technology, proven strength and durability.
We saw the need and were the very first company to manufacture precisely adjustable front Camber and Caster bushing kits with twice the adjustment range of the basic one setting offset bolts.
Then for the rear, K-MAC Camber adjuster kits, which have the advantage (unlike upper adjustable arms/DIY kits) of not moving the top of the tire outwards when adjusting to resolve premature inner edge wear - which is an important factor to prevent tires scuffing outer fenders if wide profile tires/rims fitted.
Another advantage with K-MAC rear kits - unlike spherical bearings used in these upper arm kits, there is no harsh metal to metal contact and 20 years of the proven design - there’s certainly no squeaks.
Also all K-MAC rear Camber adjusters include extra Toe adjustment which is essential to compensate accurately for the new Camber facility!
The K-MAC patented design front kits replace the 4 main suspension bushes - the unique 2 axis/self aligning design also doubles the load bearing area thereby increasing wear life and also steering and braking response.
Similar design is used for the 4 main rear K-MAC bushings.
Result is precise single wrench front and rear (ongoing) adjustment to return vehicle to factory specs to improve traction, compensate for steering pull, costly inner edge tire wear through altering height, fitting wide profile tires, load carrying, curb-knock damage and/or the advantage of being able to alter specs, improve lap times on track days and with genuine K-MAC you also do not need to purchase special fitting tools.
Product confidence with K-MAC is further assured by our total, ongoing commitment to motor racing – all out 10/10ths competition testing keeps K-MAC products always at the forefront re cutting edge technology, proven strength and durability.
