ML wheel alignment

[panason1c]

Hi, What is the setting for the front wheel alignment (tracking) on a 2002 ML 270CDI please?

 

[oigle]

Have investigated a lot there. My investigations showed that the track toes out 2mm for every inch of downward travel of the front suspension. As a result, when you hit a bump, the vehicle goes toe-out if the track has been set to zero. I find that the best steering is obtained using around 2mm toe in so that is still steers straight on bumps. Vehicle seems to track better generally too. Hope that helps. Modified dampers sure help too - stop the bounce.

 

[panason1c]

Thanks oigle, i currently have it set to 3mm tow in as i was getting tyre wear on the inside edge with the setting at 1 mm toe in.....what make dampers are you using and what did they cost?
john

 

[oigle]

3mm is fine for toe-in.

Dampers are a problem. I had to go to a lot of trouble to modify Konis to suit. I actually put all the info about what I did on my website - not much use to you unless you are in Australia!! Check my website at http://members.optusnet.com.au/iananddesley/

Bilstein make a damper but can't vouch for its effectiveness. It is also non-adjustable. The standard KYB stuff fitted in Alabama is absolutely pathetic. They have almost no rebound control and not enough bump travel. They are also gas filled which makes them quite sharp on minor road irregularities. Maybe there is another decent German damper that I don't know about.

Oigle.