SL/R230: r230 steering
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audi
r230 steering
I have a 2006 sl500 with ABC suspension. When making turns the steering wheel does not center itself completely. It almost returns to center but needs a little help. Can anyone confirm if your car does the same? Is something wrong or is this normal for this car/
Thanks.
Thanks.
Last edited by sbournazos; Mar 23, 2020 at 05:51 PM.
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Thats right if i turn right or left it doesnt automatically return to center it is a little short of center depending upon which way I turn, When I move the wheel with my hand to get it to center car tracks straight. Steering wheel is centered correctly. I just got a 4 wheel alignment from a mercedes benz dealer. They supposedly looked over the whole car and told me everything was in great condition. Only thing they recommended was windshield wipers. Is it the way these cars are, tight steering? Steering feels good otherwise, no play etc.
Last edited by sbournazos; Mar 23, 2020 at 11:08 PM.
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From: Nashville Tn
2011 mercedes sl550, 1995 corvette
Sounds like an alignment problem, most likely with caster. Even though a dealership did the alignment, they are not perfect. It all depends on the equipment... properly calibrated, and of course the alignment tech.. just how good is he?? We’re you offered a printout showing before and after settings.. even if all numbers are in the green, they could be at the extreme plus or minus but still in the green, and cause slight steering problems.
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From: Nashville Tn
2011 mercedes sl550, 1995 corvette
It’s possible that caster could be different on each side, but it shouldn’t be. Again it’s the function of properly calibrated equipment with a knowledgeable technician. Too much negative caster will cause steering wheel to not return to straight ahead when turning. Something as simple as an un level lift rack or improper tire inflation can cause an inaccurate alignment. There are mechanical issues that can also contribute to your issue, but I would take car back where alignment was done and have them recheck and provide you with a printout if settings vs specs, as most modern alignment equipment has that capability. In case your caster cannot be set properly, there are aftermarket kits that will expand the parameters for settings to allow for minor mechanical issues. There are many cars (Mercedes May be one) that the factory has not allowed for adjusting for caster or camber, but that’s what aftermarket kits do for the vehicle. While I am familiar with alignment geometry, which is basically the same for all vehicles, I am not familiar with the R230 specific available adjustments
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'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
I would jump on the stock slotted 'adjustment' bolts first. These allow a little caster/camber adjustment using one or two per side of the front suspension.
Part number 000 330 00 18
Part number 000 330 00 18
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Mercedes-Benz CLK 550
Oh the pain - but lets face it its got to be a good idea - fixing it right the 1st time. Especially with the current economy and wanting to cut ongoing costs / extend tire life.
The slotted adjustment bolts (inaccurate one only offset position) provide a minimal .3 of one degree (1/8").
We are currently offering R230 owners front Camber and Caster kit providing up to extra 1.5 degrees (Positive or Negative), precise Camber and Caster adjustment. Fit on car no need for arm removal for $280 plus $40 delivery!!
https://imgur.com/o3VZay4
Kevin
The slotted adjustment bolts (inaccurate one only offset position) provide a minimal .3 of one degree (1/8").
We are currently offering R230 owners front Camber and Caster kit providing up to extra 1.5 degrees (Positive or Negative), precise Camber and Caster adjustment. Fit on car no need for arm removal for $280 plus $40 delivery!!
https://imgur.com/o3VZay4
Kevin
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Steering is tight, meaning no play. Feels good just doesnt self center when I let go of wheel coming out of turns. Alignment results are attached. Do the numbers in the red on alignment results mean that the back of the car is off by 4mm from one side to the other.
I have a 2006 sl 500 with ABC suspension . Just picked up the car after a 4 wheel alignment at Mercedes dealer. Took it to dealer because I assume they have good alignment tools for the mercedes cars.
For the line that says "Rear axle vehicle level ready for driving" the numbers before and after correction are in red which means "measurement is out of tolerance" . The numbers for the front axle are green and all other adjustments (camber, caster & toe) are green and within target data. The service advisor, not mechanic, told me that the "Rear axle vehicle level ready for driving" cannot be corrected. Only with extensive suspension work and that the "red' results are due to settling of the suspension components because the car is so old. I really don't think he understood what he was looking at. Am I understanding this correct, one side is 4mm lower than the other? I've read the ABC ride hight can be calibrated with the STAR diagnostic computer. Shouldn't this be done prior to the alignment? I'm not sure if I am understanding all that I've read. Anyone familiar with the ABC suspension and alignment and if ride height calibration should be done first?
PS. Dealer said they checked out suspension and everything was in good order. Didn't try to up sell me anything but windshield wipers. That is a first at the dealer that they didn't find 100 things wrong with the car.
Thanks in advance for all your help.
I have a 2006 sl 500 with ABC suspension . Just picked up the car after a 4 wheel alignment at Mercedes dealer. Took it to dealer because I assume they have good alignment tools for the mercedes cars.
For the line that says "Rear axle vehicle level ready for driving" the numbers before and after correction are in red which means "measurement is out of tolerance" . The numbers for the front axle are green and all other adjustments (camber, caster & toe) are green and within target data. The service advisor, not mechanic, told me that the "Rear axle vehicle level ready for driving" cannot be corrected. Only with extensive suspension work and that the "red' results are due to settling of the suspension components because the car is so old. I really don't think he understood what he was looking at. Am I understanding this correct, one side is 4mm lower than the other? I've read the ABC ride hight can be calibrated with the STAR diagnostic computer. Shouldn't this be done prior to the alignment? I'm not sure if I am understanding all that I've read. Anyone familiar with the ABC suspension and alignment and if ride height calibration should be done first?
PS. Dealer said they checked out suspension and everything was in good order. Didn't try to up sell me anything but windshield wipers. That is a first at the dealer that they didn't find 100 things wrong with the car.
Thanks in advance for all your help.
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From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
have you got even tyre wear and the same tread patterns on the off and near side? I had different make of tyre and it affected the pull
