C180 Steering Problem

[C180Sport_Owner]

Hi Guys

I have a standard 1998 C180 Sport. Never had any problems with steering/suspension, always drove straight as a die.

Last week I clipped a curb with my NSF wheel, travelling at approx 10mph. The impact slightly damaged the rim, and since then the steering was slightly juddering and not straight. Today, I've had the wheels balanced and the tracking checked. The Guy that checked the tracking said it was fine, he also checked the wheel wasn't buckled, which it wasn't. The juddering has now gone, but the car still doesn't drive quite straight - by this I mean to get the car travelling in a straight line, the steering wheel is slightly to the right, i.e. the car is pulling to the left.

I'm no mechanic, but I'm guessing that I've damaged something to do with the steering or suspension?

Any advice would be great.

Kind Regards

Jack

 

[42864]

First thing that I would do is get the steering and suspension thourghly checked, including Castor and Camber angles checked, it does sound as though you have knocked something out of line, or slightly bent a Track Rod or similar.

 

[Aussie Nick]

I might have suggested damage to a wheel bearing but I dont think what you describe is consistent with that. It sounds to me that a steering linkage arm is bent. Which model C 180 is it?
I know you said 1998 which would suggest a 202 model if my arithmetic is correct.

 

[C180Sport_Owner]

Thanks for the quick replies.

Nick, yes, it's a W202.

Many Thanks

Jack

 

[television]

I think Jack that the near side track rod should be replaced, once slightly bent they bend quite easily

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
If it was mine, I would be carefully inspecting the lower wishbone and steering component for damage, possibly taking measurements of the wheel positon within the wheel arch and comparing it to the other side.
But my hunch is that you have knocked the camber/caster out.
After your absolutely sure there are no bent components get a four wheel alignment done.

 

[C180Sport_Owner]

Thanks

Guys

Thank you for your helpful replies. I'm going to have a look at the car at the weekend with a mechanic friend of mine. I'll post an update when I've had a look.

Thank you

Jack