Camber Bolt Confusion
10-29-2018, 07:36 PM
#1
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Camber Bolt Confusion
I had taken my car for a dealer alignment and was told that I needed a camber bolt kit, the alignment numbers bear that out. I told them I can install the kit, I've got time and don't mind the work. It's aligned but the camber is a bit out of spec, so it's on my to-do list. Re-alignment won't cost like the first time, so I'm ok with installing the bolts and taking it back in.
Anyway, I look up the camber bolt kit and I have successfully confused myself.
I found these on Rockauto that appear to install in the upper center spindle mount (1 per side):
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...447589&jsn=631
I also found the MB 000-333-10-71 kit that appears to install into the lower control arm mounts (2 per side).
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...Z&KeepHeader=Y
So one bolt set pulls or pushes the upper spindle for +/- camber, the other pulls or pushes the lower control arms for +/- camber, and I think that these would affect caster as well. I think the WIS shows the lower control arm bolt arrangement so I'm leaning to using that. I've also found some online info about the lower control arm bolt replacement but it wasn't my exact year and I didn't know if 4matic affects selection.
I'd appreciate any help, thanks.
Anyway, I look up the camber bolt kit and I have successfully confused myself.
I found these on Rockauto that appear to install in the upper center spindle mount (1 per side):
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...447589&jsn=631
I also found the MB 000-333-10-71 kit that appears to install into the lower control arm mounts (2 per side).
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...Z&KeepHeader=Y
So one bolt set pulls or pushes the upper spindle for +/- camber, the other pulls or pushes the lower control arms for +/- camber, and I think that these would affect caster as well. I think the WIS shows the lower control arm bolt arrangement so I'm leaning to using that. I've also found some online info about the lower control arm bolt replacement but it wasn't my exact year and I didn't know if 4matic affects selection.
I'd appreciate any help, thanks.
10-29-2018, 09:18 PM
#2
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2014 E550-sold 😩
Are you just trying to dial in more positive camber and they can’t do I without the bolts? Seems either option would work to me.
10-30-2018, 12:01 AM
#3
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yes, target camber left is -0*35', right is -0*36', +/-22'. My car is at -1*01' right and left camber readings. Caster is slightly off, barely outside +/-30' allowance. Toe and rear axle are ok.
(* means degrees, ' means minutes). It's not terrible, but worth installing the bolts to gain more adjustability. I was actually a bit surprised to see that the factory camber setting is less than a degree negative, I've always thought about 1 degree negative yields generally decent handling without excessive tire wear but I've been wrong before lol.
I did check the EPC and WIS closely and they focus on lower rear control arm to set camber and front lower control arm to set caster. Both bolts are the same A 000 333 10 71 part number (or aftermarket equivalent).
(* means degrees, ' means minutes). It's not terrible, but worth installing the bolts to gain more adjustability. I was actually a bit surprised to see that the factory camber setting is less than a degree negative, I've always thought about 1 degree negative yields generally decent handling without excessive tire wear but I've been wrong before lol.
I did check the EPC and WIS closely and they focus on lower rear control arm to set camber and front lower control arm to set caster. Both bolts are the same A 000 333 10 71 part number (or aftermarket equivalent).
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10-30-2018, 10:17 AM
#4
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This describes how the camber/caster bolts work. They work on all MB front ends for the last 20 years or so...
https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w21...ml#post4448248
https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w21...ml#post4448248
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10-30-2018, 12:54 PM
#5
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Thanks, yes the WIS is pretty clear on installation and adjustments plus gives setting recommendations. Your link also highlights warning about not turning the bolt as it can snap the retaining tab. Just tighten the nut and hold the bolt in position. Another note from WIS is to reset vehicle weight on the control arm before final torqueing to ensure bushings are centered.
10-30-2018, 09:45 PM
#6
Buy 4 bolts because control arms and thrust arms will reduce camber. Doing it is easy with a large screwdriver and prybar and patience. This is because you remove the original bolt and then insert screwdriver and shift control arm inward to pull bottom of tire inward. When arm shifts in it will expose 2 of the tabs into the window. This is where the slots in the new bolts go into. There is a line on the head of the new bolts and it needs to end up in line with the arm. It cannot be turned afterwards or you break the control arm tabs and it will be ruined. Lower car on tires before tightening.
Totally makes sense when you do it. Just ensure the line on the bolt is in alignment so you know both tabs are in the slots. If it is not only one tab could be in. Also mark the arm so you are positive that you shifted it in and didn’t just put it back where the original bolt was.
Totally makes sense when you do it. Just ensure the line on the bolt is in alignment so you know both tabs are in the slots. If it is not only one tab could be in. Also mark the arm so you are positive that you shifted it in and didn’t just put it back where the original bolt was.
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10-31-2018, 09:31 AM
#9
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I ordered the 4 bolt sets that I linked to in first post, interesting that Rockauto doesn't show the control arm bolts as camber/caster bolt kit, just that upper bolt.
That's a great picture to really see the washer/tabs.
That's a great picture to really see the washer/tabs.
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MBNUT1 (01-26-2019)
10-31-2018, 10:49 AM
#12
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2011 E350 sport, I'm posting from my phone so maybe my signature doesn't show.
Yes I know that's the lower control arm and I see from info here and WIS that side to side movement on rear arm yields +/- camber, front to back movement on forward arm yields +/- caster. Like you mentioned once you see the installation its fairly straightforward. I've done front end work before (not on MB) but I've had to lever control arms a bit to get bolts installed.
Yes I know that's the lower control arm and I see from info here and WIS that side to side movement on rear arm yields +/- camber, front to back movement on forward arm yields +/- caster. Like you mentioned once you see the installation its fairly straightforward. I've done front end work before (not on MB) but I've had to lever control arms a bit to get bolts installed.
10-31-2018, 11:01 AM
#13
OK cool. The front arms affect caster and a bit of camber and you will need the slotted bolts.
I dont think those cam bolts bolts in your first link are applicable to your car.
I dont think those cam bolts bolts in your first link are applicable to your car.
10-31-2018, 10:07 PM
#15
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Sorry, I guess I'm the only guy left in the world that doesn't do YouTube videos 
There actually is a YouTube video though for a w211 that looks like same process. But I'll get some pics posted when I do the installation.
There actually is a YouTube video though for a w211 that looks like same process. But I'll get some pics posted when I do the installation.
11-01-2018, 08:17 PM
#16
if u can it will help but I cannot force you to do it. Lol
11-01-2018, 11:01 PM
#19
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I think there's a few places that sell the bolts but I got the Febi bolt kits from pelican parts.
Last edited by Mud; 11-01-2018 at 11:04 PM.
11-05-2018, 09:10 PM
#22
My mistake
@95viper
you was right they come with bushing and bolt.
https://www.spcalignment.com/compone...AFrom&to=USATo
unless op want to buy UDP camber arm bolt n toe set from @shardul . That set is like $700 I think.
you was right they come with bushing and bolt.
https://www.spcalignment.com/compone...AFrom&to=USATo
unless op want to buy UDP camber arm bolt n toe set from @shardul . That set is like $700 I think.
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