Slight pull to right at highway speed?
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Joined: Sep 2010
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E350
Slight pull to right at highway speed?
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!
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!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 737
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From: HESPERIA CA
2011 E550
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.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
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!
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!
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."
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
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.
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Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 133
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh
2012 E550
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!
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!
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
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From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
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
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
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?
Last edited by grane; Jun 3, 2013 at 06:52 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 50
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From: Downers Grove Illinois
2010 E550, 2007 R350
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.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,854
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
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.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
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
good luck with it
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 472
Likes: 8
From: Southern California, Orange County
2012 E350
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
