Tramlining
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Newcastle, WA
2019 S63 4Matic+, 2018 E400 Cabrio, wardens car.
Tramlining
Trying to figure out why my car seems to tramline on freeways. I am running the staggered set up with 13MM spacers in the rear. Wondering if the spacers could be causing the issues. Like the look with the spacers but will remove them if they do cause this problem.
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
Your car may also need an alignment, especially with pushing the wheels out that far. The toe or camber might now be off.
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
Could be tires, certain tire tread patterns are more susceptible to tramlining than others. I'd start with an alignment, it may be something simple like worn bushings in the front control arms.
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Mercedes-Benz CLK 550
OK if vehicle maintained and driven at showroom height, but day to day commuting with high cambered roads, altering height, load carrying, suspension sag, fitting wide profile tires or curb knock damage – the feature of having “Camber” adjustment to change tire “contact angle” is essential. Along with front “Caster” to correctly resolve steering pull and improve brake and steering response.
For the front (only) you can purchase fluted bolts – but they are inaccurate having ONE ONLY OFFSET POSITION, providing a minimal 3mm (1/8”) which is 0.3 degree.
We saw the need therefore to design and manufacture front kits that provide up to “5 times” this adjustment range and are precise/accurate – on car under load direct on alignment rack. Fixing it right.... the 1st time!
Along with similar rear – also providing Camber (and additional rear Toe adjustment to compensate for the new Camber facility). Advantage of the K-MAC rear bush design compared to adjustable “Camber Arms” is that to resolve premature inner edge tire wear Camber arms need to move “top of tire” outwards, diminishing all important clearance to outer fender – K-MAC moves bottom arm inwards and easier access allowing to be adjusted accurately (under load).
These unique patented design kits are “single wrench” adjustable. Not only providing “full/precise” adjustment but at the same time replace the ‘4’ front and ‘4’ rear highest wearing suspension bushings and with twice the load bearing area!
The front bushings are 2 axis/self aligning but without the oil and air voids of OEM. Result is noticeably improved brake and steering response. No modifications to fit - comes with instructions and extraction/insertion tubes (Rear Camber can be fitted on vehicle).
W221
Front Camber and Caster kit #502316 $480
Rear Camber (and extra Toe) #502526 $480
Delivery $40 one kit or $50 front and rear kits. We accept PayPal, Visa or MasterCard.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Newcastle, WA
2019 S63 4Matic+, 2018 E400 Cabrio, wardens car.
Got the alignment done. Car runs true as an arrow now. Went to a German frame shop that has all the latest gadgets and they specialize in frames and alignment. Tech suspected that the car had never had a proper alignment and corrected all adjustments to factory spec. Surprising what an alignment can do. He did say that the S550 is very touchy to anything outside of OE spec like spacers but he advised me to drive it for a while with them on and then take them off if the issue still presents. He also said that the wide tires in the back can exacerbate tramlining as they have a big contact patch that wants to grab a lot.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 826
From: Newcastle, WA
2019 S63 4Matic+, 2018 E400 Cabrio, wardens car.
Spacers don't change geometry but they change tire contact points from the front to the rear. That coupled with staggered wheels and tires can have an effect on car handling. Seems to run fine now but I am going to drive it for while. If the car shows any odd behaviors I will remove the spacers and try it without for a while. That would be full factory spec without the spacers. Like the look of the spacers but not at any expense to the handling. They are only 13MM but they do make a difference in how the car looks.
