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Author Topic: W113 Front End Alignment  (Read 6330 times)

garymand

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W113 Front End Alignment
« on: February 13, 2014, 19:56:38 »
Finally got the old girl on an alignment machine with a good mechanic.  She's got a few problems.
1)  the right rear wheel is pointing out a little ( the left is about right at ~-.3 degrees and about 1/2 inch behind.  Cross corner is 1 inch longer than right front to left rear.  Would the locating strut be a good place to start?  I plan to make the copper tubing geometry alignment tool this weekend. (too bad I didn't think of that while the car was on the machine  ::)

2) We could only get 2 degrees of Caster, max.  There has not been frame damage and the towerand motor mounts are new.  Why would I not be able to get more caster than needed?
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Gary
Early 250SL German version owned since 71, C320, R350, 89 Porsche 944 Turbo S

wwheeler

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Re: W113 Front End Alignment
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2014, 20:41:36 »
Correct me if I wrong but the caster adjustment basically pivots the angle of the wheel front to back. In order to do that, don't you also have to loosen the trans mount to the body and let the entire engine/suspension/trans assembly move back and forth?
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Wallace
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garymand

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Re: W113 Front End Alignment
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2014, 21:23:44 »
Yes, he did that.  He did not loosen the motor mounts or the lateral strut.  He gave the cams max caster  This weekend,I'll loosen the mounts and the strut and see if anything moves.  I have PS and rthe spec is 4 degrees, manual is 3.  We could get a little more than 2.
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Gary
Early 250SL German version owned since 71, C320, R350, 89 Porsche 944 Turbo S

mbzse

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Re: W113 Front End Alignment
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2014, 21:29:18 »
Quote from: garymand
.../...We could only get 2 degrees of Caster, max.../.. Why would I not be able to get more caster than needed?
Caster is set by means of the two blade springs at the front of the subframe. There are two lenghts, 243mm is correct for an SL with power steering.  Note also that you need the correct offset value for the rubber insert in blade spring (two types available, sedan and SL)
SL type is 110 322 1585 1.5mm offset
See section 33 in Book of Tables or workshop manual BBB
/Hans in Sweden
« Last Edit: February 13, 2014, 21:45:40 by mbzse »
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/Hans S

garymand

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Re: W113 Front End Alignment
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2014, 21:49:01 »
Thanks Hans, Funny, that was my reply.  I expected the caster to move easily within spec. I had replaced the sub frame mounts and double checked the spring clamp and essentric bolts for proper engagement and rotation.  That seams to be working great.  What is this: correct offset value for the rubber insert?  Where is it? The flexible bushing at the Spring/cross member joint?
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Gary
Early 250SL German version owned since 71, C320, R350, 89 Porsche 944 Turbo S

mbzse

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Re: W113 Front End Alignment
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2014, 22:17:28 »
Quote from: garymand
What is this: correct offset value for the rubber insert?  Where is it?
Se picture attached [borrowed modified pic]
It is No 121 in the exploded view of front axle parts (four needed)
/Hans in Sweden
« Last Edit: February 27, 2014, 12:47:35 by mbzse »
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/Hans S
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