400SE Shock Obsorbers - A problem

[clevett]

My lovely 400se (http://www.280e.com/) has got a very slight pull to the left, I had a tyre replaced today. The guy there used laser tracking (or something)

Anyways - he reckoned the slight pull to the left was one of the shock obsorbers, however there are no leaks or anything.

Is it possible to adjust these shock absorbers or is it (expensive) time to replace them????

Paul

 

[Andy]

400SE Shock Obsorbers

Hi Paul

I doubt very much that the shocker is causing the problem. If you have had one tyre only fitted to the front this could of set of the problem. Did he when checking the alignment check the castor and camber figures as well as checking the track. If all of them arn't as close to the nominal figures as possiblel. Then again a problem can occur. Especially with tyre wear.

I would change the rear tyres to the front and check the problem again. If ok. Then the new tyre has just set up a little imbalance. Nothing to worry about.

If the pull to the left is merely a drift as the camber of the road takes the vehicle. Then don't worry.


Hope this helps.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[clevett]

400SE Shock Obsorbers

Hi Andy

Thanks for the quick reply

OK here's some interesting facts.

I have put the Pirelli p6000's on the front, no change.

The car has had its tracking done, its wheel alignment etc etc, now the Pirellis are on the back and there is a mismatch of tyres on the front .... I will be putting the same tyre on the drivers side but at £135 a time !!

Anyways - There is about a 1.5mm difference between the top of the tyre and the wheel arch, the passenger side (with the new tyre) being the smaller.

Perhaps I should drive 3 hours and let you have a look?

Paul
PS you can see the car at http://www.280e.com/

 

[Andy]

400SE Shock Obsorbers

Hi

Try swoping the tyres from side to side and see if that makes any difference. I am assuming your guy did the adjustments to the s\alignment as I refered to in the previous post.

Different tread patterns do make a difference to the way the car pulls in a straight ahead position.

£135 seems a lot what size are they?

Check and see if swoping them side to side makes a difference.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[clevett]

400SE Shock Obsorbers

Hi Andy

The tyres are Pirelli P 6000's on the back and the new one is a UNIROYAL but its directional - so can't swap it!

Ok the size is 235/60/16 100W

Both the Pirellis and the UNIROYAL were £135 each. From two different dealers....

Paul....