124 wheel alignment

[Hmac]

Is some kind person able to recommend a garage for wheel-alignment and tracking (and set my steering wheel straight !) in South London. I live in Battersea. I am told laser is the business. I've had new lower wishbones fitted (got 161,000 miles out of the originals)- which has transformed the steering, but I'd like to go to a specialist for this fine tuning.
I drive a W124 E220T '93, and I love it !

 

[kth286]

the fitting of the new wishbone will have altered the tracking, and camber, and put the steering wheel out of alignment.

They can be adjusted back to normal by adjustment of the tie rods, and this action will automatically align the steering wheel to the correct straight ahead position.

I do not know of anybody in your area but whatever you do; do not let them remove the steering wheel to get it straight, which some poor quality shops seem to want to do.

 

[Bolide]

I've used Discount Tyres in Worthing in the past and they know what they're doing. It'd require a trip to the seaside for you, though

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Hmac]

Thanks for this advice, chaps. I'll try to find someone nearer home, first. Though Worthing is not a problem.

Hamish McLellan.

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
I always get mine done by Micheldever tyres off the A34 north of Winchester (not to far from M3) if thats any closer to you.

 

[Richard Moakes]

It needs someone with the right equipment and the training to use it.

http://www.alignmycar.co.uk/

Follow the link and enter your postcode.

Cheers,

 

[pj]

Hmac, did you find any improvement in the ride/noise levels when you replaced the wishbones on your W124. I am currently renovating the suspension on my '94 E220T at 130,000 miles. I have had the front and rear antiroll bar bushes, rear antiroll bar links and front top mounts replaced which cured some clonking and grinding noises. The rear subframe bushes have also been replaced which cured a slight lean at the back. The car handles OK but I am still getting a lot of loud 'thumping' over rough roads. The wishbone bushes are next on my list but at about £75 per side plus labour plus wheel alignment costs i'm not sure if I should go ahead.

Thanks

Peter..

 

[Hmac]

I love this MB forum ! Richard, I've followed the link and found Southfields Tyres and Batteries which is 2-3 miles from me. (Andy -thanks anyway). I've spoken to them and am taking the car in. They have all the fancy American kit and seem to know what they are talking about.
Peter - a creaking noise disapeared (bottom wishbone bearings), the car 'sits' better, and the steering is lighter (in a good way). I'm not sure about the cause of 'thumping'. Re-bushing is a sweat just because everything is big, heavy, and stuck. But it can only improve matters.

Hamish McLellan.

 

[Kully E220 Coupe]

I love this MB forum ! Richard, I've followed the link and found Southfields Tyres and Batteries which is 2-3 miles from me. (Andy -thanks anyway). I've spoken to them and am taking the car in. They have all the fancy American kit and seem to know what they are talking about.
Peter - a creaking noise disapeared (bottom wishbone bearings), the car 'sits' better, and the steering is lighter (in a good way). I'm not sure about the cause of 'thumping'. Re-bushing is a sweat just because everything is big, heavy, and stuck. But it can only improve matters.

Hamish McLellan.

Had my passenger side wishbone done too because of a failed lower ball joint, will be getting the alignment done at `The Alignment Centre` they done it last year and i gotta say they know what they are talking about and doing, before i went to them i went to Grays in Hanwell West London they cocked the alignment up right royal plus they said that the rear camber is not adjustable in fact that nothing on the rear of the car was adjustable and they took £50 off me for my troubles well the guys at `The Alignment Centre` sorted it out even got the camber of the rear wheels set right cost £100 but worth every penny.

 

[kth286]

on 124 the rear CAMBER is NOT adjustable. It can be affected when the camber arm bushes wear out, but it is easy to replace with a new arm which includes the bushes each end.

The rear toe IS adjustable however.

 

[Bolide]

Rear end thumping over bumps is normally the leading rear subframe bushes. About £70 / pair + fitting. The improvement is huge

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[pj]

Bolide, i've had the rear subframe bushes replaced. The thumping over bumps seems to come from the front. I've had the front ARB bushes replaced and also the top strut mounts but it is still noisey (OK on smooth surfaces but loud thumping over the slightest rough patch). Going to try wishbone bushes next unless you suggest anything else.

Peter...

 

[Kully E220 Coupe]

on 124 the rear CAMBER is NOT adjustable. It can be affected when the camber arm bushes wear out, but it is easy to replace with a new arm which includes the bushes each end.

The rear toe IS adjustable however.

Sorry Keith my mistake he probably did the toe, but the guys at Grays told me nothing on the back was adjustable.