MCF

Took our first extended trip in the 2011 E350 this weekend and am very impressed with the comfort in the car and how it cruised effortlessly at 80-90mph. I did notice one thing. The drive was from Houston to Georgetown (Austin) and back and noted the car had a slight tendency to pull to the right at above about 65mph. It runs straight as an arrow in town and I realize that highways are 'sloped' but it seemed the car would even pull to the right slightly even when in the passing lane. Anyone else experience a 'high speed' pull on the highway? I checked tire pressures and they are all correct and equal.

If I want to get the alignment checked, any reason to take it to the MB dealer or is a tire/wheel shop actually better equipped to do a front end alignment. Thanks!

bob2011

my car also pulls to the right on the highway at times. I did search up what it could be and it's most likely because all roads (most) are crowned to the right so the rain can wash out. so I'm thinking that's why it's doing it.

ScottNJ

Mine severely pulls to the right even at idle speed, I have no clue why because my rims are not bent and I avoid every pothole.

bob2011

hmmmm then you should take it in. mine pulls to the right, but not severely, maybe it is a alignment problem?

CEB

Bob - I guess you didn't read the entire first post. I've quoted it above and highlighted the part you missed.

There is a difference between "pull" and "drift." The crown in the road (to allow for proper runoff) wil cause a slight drift while a bad alignment will cause a "pull."

CEB

I'd opine that there was a pothole or a curb that you didn't avoid.

MCF

Well, if I want to get the alignment checked, any reason to take it to a dealer or indy shop or should any wheel/tire shop be sufficient?

grane

I know that a tire shop with an alignment rack can check it against factory specs, check out your tire wear/rotation, etc. So at least you will know if your alignment is off or if something else is amiss.

Whether they can actually align the car is a different issue, you may have to go to the dealer. Alignments as you know should start in the rear, and then the front.

I had one MA/CT indy chain align an AMG and a Gwagen, the latter is also a 4matic, with good results. Others would not touch either nor would they balance genuine MB wheels.

Hope this helps.

GoBlando

Check your tire pressure first. If one or two tires are 4lbs low, it can produce this affect. Check the gas door on your car and compare them to what the computer says.

Best method to fill tires:

1. Fill all 4 tires to be 5psi greater than advertised on the gas cap.
2. Park car on a level surface overnight.
3. Check pressure in the morning and let air out until each tire matches cold tire spec from gas cap.
4. Drive the car for a couple of minutes and store the new tire pressures

grane

I had a wander to the right with the right front off 2 psi. Correcting the pressure corrected the problem. I personally run the RF tire 1 lb higher than the left and check pressures once a week on a weekly calibrated gauge/pump at the local shop. If you can rotate your tires that helps too. Maybe I missed the kind you are running?

MCF

Thanks. The rear tires have the same pressure and the front right is actually 1psi more than the left which should make it pull to the right less.

DG_Guy

Bought a 2010 E550 used about 5 months ago. It pulled to the right about 80% of the time (especially at high speed.). Took it to the dealer and had them work on the alignment. Then it pulled to the left at high speed. Took it back and it was better but it still pulls left. Under 35 mph I'm fine. At 75 MPH I'm pushing the steering wheel. Not always, but most of the time.

mleskovar

My experience is that MB dealers are better suited to handle alignment nuances. If I'm not mistaken only front toe is fully adjustable without changing parts or part positions so what would a tire/alignment shop do anyway? The dealer may cost more....about 2X....but they have the parts and specific model expertise and you can always go back if not satisfied.

hyperion667

the dealer I sometimes go to has a 'risk free' alignment, menaing there is no charge just to check.......but chances are they'll find it out enough for a sale........

good luck with it

K-A

Every M-B I've gotten I've taken to the dealership right away because of "alignment problems". Never fails.

Always the same answer: "M-B's are very sensitive to the crown on the roads". Roads are seemingly always "crowned" to the right. After a while I realize it's normal. Not sure why it is, either by design (which I couldn't understand) or fundamental flaw.

Hfdafhx

Today had 4 wheel alignment, road force balance and brand new tires all 4 corners

2010 e350 4 matic under heavy acceleration pulls right and front end lifts quite a bit

alanme123

Pulling to the right is normal because of the crown of the road. I think the only way to adjust it is for the alignment people to compensate for that while doing the alignment. Even then it wont be perfect