lowered alignment
 

Has anyone had their car aligned after using adjustable links to lower the ride height? Dealer or independent?

Thanks, Don

Depending on how low you make your car you may not need to get it done. I've had mine lowered on links for about 4 months and I didn't need an alignment.

lowered alignment
 

TDwayne69,

I was worried about the tire wear, as I can see the negative camber easily. I only lowered it 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. Have you noticed any tire wear?

I only lowered mine modestly and I don't have any negative cambering, I'm driven at least a 1000 miles with them on and not issues with tire wear. If you're noticing negative cambering you may want to either raise it up a little or get it aligned. Here are a few before and after pictures of mine.


Before Lowering On Links
https://mbworld.org/forums/members/t...9-100-0647.jpg

https://mbworld.org/forums/members/t...8-100-0646.jpg

https://mbworld.org/forums/members/t...4-100-0642.jpg

https://mbworld.org/forums/members/t...5-100-0643.jpg

After Pictures Lowered On Links
https://mbworld.org/forums/members/t...6-100-0649.jpg

https://mbworld.org/forums/members/t...ed-links-2.jpg

https://mbworld.org/forums/members/t...ed-links-1.jpg

TDwayne69,

Did you just lower or did you use spacers or anything with your wheels?

Hey Vik,

I just lowered it, I didn't use any spacers.

I dumped mine completely on the renntech elm v3. The whole 50mm. I had to do an alignment because the front wheels are toe-ing out. They said it's not because the car is lowered but because I switch to 21" wheels.

Car was "rutting" (drifting left and right depending on the levelness of the road) before alignment. It rides great now.

Here's a pic to show how low it is....

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...0/DSC_6366.jpg

Hey Jon,

The car is looking good, so is 50mm the lowest that the renntech elm v3 will your car down?

Tony

Yep 50mm is the lowest it will go. I heard I can add the links and make it go lower but then the ride will turn to ****e.... right now, it rides just like stock.

Gents,

Lowering these on the links is just as easy as it sounds? Just adjust the settings in each wheel well?

Please advise.

Hey Mike,

The issue that dberger1 was asking about wasn't actually lowering of the car with links, his car is already lowered on the links and he's concerned about getting his car aligned (to align or not).

Tony

Certainly. However I think I want to lower mine "on the links" but would luv a tutorial on how to do so. If its as easy as using/adjusting the stock parts, or bolting on others I am game.

Hey Mike,

I installed mine myself, it took maybe 20 min. for the front and maybe 25 if that for the rear. Below are the instructions for 2007-2009 S Class without "ABC Sport" and a few installation pictures. Hopefully they will help you. Also the contact info for Adjustable Air Ride. Checkout his website, he has a pretty good gallery of customer cars.

John Vranic
604-780-7734
www.adjustableairride.com




Make sure key is out of ignition and no power is on.

Front:

1. Jack up each corner and locate ride height sensor straight inside wheel well.
2. Remove stock arms by using a small set of Vice Grips. Lock them on, not too tight, to the stock arm close
to the control arm side. Twist gently, may have to use your fingers as well, to push it off the nipple.
3. Set the new Adjustable Links so that they are equal in length. For front longer is lower.
Each 5mm longer then stock will lower approx. ½ - ¾ inch. Don’t have to lock them tight just snug.
4. Install Adjustable Links with long end to top. May need pliers to squeeze on.

Rear:

1. Jack up rear of Vehicle and support on stands.
2. Look above the Differential and locate the stock ride height sensor.
3. Remove the 2 10mm bolts that hold the senor in place. Use the sensor as leverage to remove the stock link.
4. To lower the rear Shorten the Link. Same as front, each 5mm shorter then stock will lower approx. ½ -
¾".
5. Attach Link to sensor and bolt back up to vehicle.
6. Attach other end and make sure the sensor arm is pointing up. I know its tight up there.

Once you have completed install start the vehicle. May have to move it forward and back and press the raise button to activate the suspension. Check level. If you are not happy you can easily re-adjust each link to lower more or less. Just remove the long side of the link by using a 10mm wrench instead of the Vice Grips. Give a little twist, pop it off, adjust and reinstall. After you are satisfied you may lock them tight but not mandatory. They will never move or rotate themselves.

Depending how low you make the vehicle a wheel alignment may be required to reduce tire wear. When doing one make sure to have the vehicle at the highest setting.

Whoa! Now that is excellent. Thanks man.

Hey Mike, anytime.

Tony

Hi Mike:

I just lowered mine last week. It is as easy as it seems. It was so easy that I actually kept taking them on and off and played with different hieghts to determine what hieght/look I liked best.

I've read others changing the car's "attitude" by lowering the front a little more than the rear. I didn't like that effect/look. At this point I am 1" lower on all four corners. It keeps the car's original profile, just lower than the stock hieght. It works for me.

I read somewhere on this forum that I should take measurements (floor to top of wheel well) before I start, I did. It was very useful!!! It gives you a baseline to determine how low you've gone, particularly if you start playing with various hieghts.

As for alignment, I don't think I will need one, but its too early to tell. I've been thinking about getting it done, just in case... Besides, I can get it done for $60.00, worth the insurance.

Good luck with yours.

Ed

That was definately not because of the lowering. Changing wheels to 21" would not affect any angle in the suspension - at the most a bit more "following ruts"
The lowering got your steering rack lower opposed to the steering arms - thus making the arms "shorter" - giving you more toe in making the car crazy on the road.