Author Topic: Rear axle alignment tool and rear view mirror  (Read 7535 times)

wwheeler

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Rear axle alignment tool and rear view mirror
« on: April 05, 2011, 04:09:51 »
I have seen, and have a copy of the rear axle alignment tool as seen in this forum for 113s. Question is for this section; does the same tool work for the 11X cars? I am about ready to rebuild my 111 axle and would like to build a tool for installation.

My '68 111 has the black plastic rear view mirror which IMHO, looks a little cheap when compared to earlier chromed one. Is the chrome one the same fit as the later plastic mirror?   
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

badali

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Re: Rear axle alignment tool and rear view mirror
« Reply #1 on: April 05, 2011, 11:17:31 »
I think you could put a chrome mirror in but get the base that comes with it.  I think there are 3 screw holes in both bases.  I have an extra chrome mirror but the glass is losing its plating.
Brad

1961 220 Sb
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280SE Guy

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Re: Rear axle alignment tool and rear view mirror
« Reply #2 on: April 05, 2011, 12:19:45 »
Wallace,

The alignment tool for the W113 layout should work for your W111. When I reinserted my rear axle I had the print for the tool but never made it. I just centered the axle so that the space between the tire and the lip of the fender was the same on each side by adjusting the cross strut. Did this while the car was on a drive on lift (axle level). My guess was that it did the same thing as using the tool and the fact that I knew the rear fenders were not bent/replaced or messed with.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

280SE Guy
1971 280SE, 6 Cyl MFI, Anthracite Grey with Grey MB Tex

Benz Dr.

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Re: Rear axle alignment tool and rear view mirror
« Reply #3 on: April 06, 2011, 04:41:55 »
I have an alignment tool but I think it's a different thing than what you're referring to. The one I have is for the two eyes in the right axle half. This is where the bearings fit and the shaft goes through to hold everything together.
It rare that this area is NOT bent. I've seen one or two out of all the axles I've done that didn't need to be straightened.

The tool sides through the two bearings. If the eyes are perfectly straight and aligned the tool will slide through without binding.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
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1961  190SL
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1967 250SL
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wwheeler

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Re: Rear axle alignment tool and rear view mirror
« Reply #4 on: May 02, 2013, 03:47:56 »
Two years after the start of this thread, here is the tool in action. I made it before I took the axle out to confirm it was correct. Of course the axle could have been somewhat out because of bushing and bearing wear. Anyway, with the new axle in, it worked like a charm.

During this process, I discovered (correct me if I am wrong) that the tool isn't totally necesary. Here is my argument:

The center arm is fixed on the top side by a mount on the trunk pan which means it can't move side to side. The lower half is secured by the cross shaft adjustment. It's purpose is the move the lower arm side to side which in effect causes the center arm to tilt (see pic). I discovered the center arm and therefore pivot bolt (with the dimple) is in alignment when the arm is square to the body (staight up and down). This can be determined by the large washer on the mount in the trunk which is square to the center arm when snug. When the large washer is level (or parallel) to the body, the arm is square and aligned. Easy to determine by a common spirit level.

Initially the large washer was not level until I used the alignment tool at which time it became perfectly level.

What do you think?
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

w113dude

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Re: Rear axle alignment tool and rear view mirror
« Reply #5 on: May 02, 2013, 11:13:02 »
It looks perfect to me Wallace, under body that clean would be a shame to be on the road  :)

wwheeler

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Re: Rear axle alignment tool and rear view mirror
« Reply #6 on: May 02, 2013, 16:07:06 »
Thanks Shaun. The first water puddle will be a real tear jerker :'(
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6