Author Topic: Can the rear axle be adjusted for toe?  (Read 1342 times)

austinado16

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Can the rear axle be adjusted for toe?
« on: August 17, 2022, 00:45:03 »
Had the front and rear alignment checked and the front camber and toe adjusted after replacing both tie-rods.  The rear axle is showing that the toe is way out, and the axle is at an angle with the left wheel sort of forward of the right wheel, and turned in, and the right wheel is toed out.   It's no visually noticeable of course, but once the alignment machine is set up, the readings show it.  Is there a way to adjust any of this?  Or should loosen the mount plates for the rear trailing arms and try to rack that left side more rearward, hold it in that position and then tighten the plates back to the body.  Maybe doing something with the support rod that goes up into the trunk floor, or it's bushing?  If it matters, it's a rear axle out of a '72 4.5 V-8.

Benz Dr.

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Re: Can the rear axle be adjusted for toe?
« Reply #1 on: August 17, 2022, 05:33:29 »
Look at your trailing arm bushings. They could be worn and pulling everything out of alignment.
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mbzse

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Re: Can the rear axle be adjusted for toe?
« Reply #2 on: August 17, 2022, 13:52:47 »
No it can't. However, the geometry of the rear axle assembly is quite intricate.
Look at (and recommended to exchange) the rubber cushions for the Panhard side support.
Pic attached.
Also, the sandwich rubber tube support (for the upright) is it intact? The position of the upright is +/- 1mm, good to verify.

All rubber parts in the chassis of our W113 gems benefit from being exchanged, particularily of course if they are factory original (50+ years old). If you look at a parts diagram you can note that there are quite many rubbers :)
« Last Edit: August 17, 2022, 14:48:49 by mbzse »
/Hans S

austinado16

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Re: Can the rear axle be adjusted for toe?
« Reply #3 on: August 17, 2022, 14:40:31 »
Thank you for the responses.  I was guessing that nothing could be done, other than replace the rubber bushings for trailing arms, the threaded side mount on the right, and the top and bottom mounts for the upright.  Looking at the parts diagrams on the niemoeller.de website is a big help.
« Last Edit: August 17, 2022, 15:22:36 by Todd »