Author Topic: Front End Alignment  (Read 3611 times)

Via Manci

  • Guest
Front End Alignment
« on: July 12, 2010, 23:42:14 »
Well boys I have reviewed this topic but did not find what I was looking for.  I know this has been discussed since 2004. I put 4 new tires on my 66 230 SL about 500 miles ago.  The other day while washing the car I noticed that the tires had considerable wear, and I mean considerable.  So I took it to a shop, highly recommended by my machinic ( I do very little machanical work).  Well according to their printout some things are good and somethings are not within specs.  In fact they said there is no adjustment for Caster.  I have included the befor/after printout for you mechanical minds to review and make suggestions.  I sure do appreciate your helpfulness and thank you in advance, because I know I will get a lot of good feedback.

Thanks.

Mike

wbain

  • Guest
Re: Front End Alignment
« Reply #1 on: July 13, 2010, 02:41:49 »
They just don't know where the caster adjustment is located. It's done by the eccentric adjusting bolts on the front part of the flat springs that attach the subframe to the chassis. Look on either side of the front chassis rails and you will see them. The lateral locating rod, beside the steering shock, should also be loosened to allow proper movement. Their alignment machine should have the correct procedures for the W108's which have the same suspension as your car.

When doing the adjustment, the threaded bushings in the upper outer kingpin mount can be turned for fine caster adjustment, assuming it's not frozen and the car has been properly greased otherwise the front kingpins need to be service/replaced. The transmission crossmenber will need to be loosened as will the center driveshaft support. While the caster adjustment is done the complete subframe will move front or back and the trans crossmenber needs to slide the same way and the driveshaft will need to move too. Their all connected.

jeffc280sl

  • Guest
Re: Front End Alignment
« Reply #2 on: July 13, 2010, 16:16:53 »
Mike, here is a pic for your mechanic.

Via Manci

  • Guest
Re: Front End Alignment
« Reply #3 on: July 13, 2010, 23:31:54 »
Thanks Warren and Jeff for the info.  Where does the loosening of the other parts, as explained by Warren, come in?  And another question.  How critical is the caster in the overall scheme of things?

jeffc280sl

  • Guest
Re: Front End Alignment
« Reply #4 on: July 13, 2010, 23:43:30 »
Here is the rest of the section about caster adjustments.  Hopefully your alignment guy can figure things out with this information.