Tracking problem 94 SL 320

[Richard Jones]

Having recently bought the car the sterring was a few degress out so I though to go and see the boys at Kwik Fit. They adjusted the tracking with a laser and still the steering wheel is out of line. They said the tracking is perfect and best to check with MB. Any ideas??

 

[BlackC55]

Take it back to them and tell them to do it properly.

 

[colechelle]

2nd black there, they did the job and havent done it correct otherwise the steering wouldnt be out, go back and get a refund !!!!

 

[wireman]

While you have any vehicle in Kwic fit make sure that the monkeys do not use just one jack (usualy under the engine) to lift it at both sides. They killed my cavaliers engine mounts with that trick, whilst setting the tracking without any weight on its front wheels. Got my money back but nothing for the damage.

Insist on a refund and get it done by a mechanic instead.

 

[Quick Silver]

Old Chinese Proverb

Kwik fit ! Why oh why do people with quality cars use them ."Theres nothing thicker than a Kwik fit fitter"

 

[kth286]

Richard

The likely problem you have is that in the previous life of the car the tracking has been adjusted but no account taken of the steering wheel position; which should have been noted and accounted for.

It just needs the one side track rod turned a small amount one way and the other side track rod turned a similar amount until the wheel is back in central alignment.

The actual road wheels will not be affected by the above if done properly - it will be slightly trial and error to get it back, but should not have happend in the first place.

Many people mistakenly suggest taking the streering wheel off the splines and moving the wheel around a spline or two, but that is totally wrong as it will affect winker cancellation and any ESP fitted to car etc etc.

Don't use quick fit, get a Merc specialist that does tracking - where you located .

 

[The Rock]

As kth286 says, you need to play with the track rods.

My local tyre/tracking place couldn't get my steering wheel straight so I went to a main dealer (Chichester) and even they couldn't get it straight initially.

I saw with my own eyes that the steering wheel was central on their jig, the computer readout said everything was within tolerance but still the steering wheel was slightly out when driving on a flat surface.

The only way was to adjust the track rods manually, a job that my main dealer did perfectly, without compromise. It took nearly 3 hours to get it absolutely spot-on and they didn't charge me a penny extra. If you go there, ask for a technician named Darren to do it.

Rock

 

[Richard Moakes]

As kth286 says, you need to play with the track rods.

I saw with my own eyes that the steering wheel was central on their jig, the computer readout said everything was within tolerance but still the steering wheel was slightly out when driving on a flat surface.

The only way was to adjust the track rods manually, a job that my main dealer did perfectly, without compromise. It took nearly 3 hours to get it absolutely spot-on and they didn't charge me a penny extra. If you go there, ask for a technician named Darren to do it.

Rock

A classic example of the difference between an 'operator' of a machine and a true mechanic methinks.

All my cars are setup by what looks like a back street garage, he doesn't have the latest gear, but he can measure toe and camber correctly using non-computerized equipment and has a true feel for what a car should feel like on the road. Every time he does an alignment for me, the car is always taken out for a road test and then he usually tweaks it slightly for 'feel'. The tyres never seem to scrub, so I guess he doesn't get it wrong.

This kind of 'old school' spannering is dying out, which is a real shame, these sort of guys are all approaching retirement and we will all miss them when they are gone.

 

[horgantrevor]

Take it back to them and tell them to do it properly.

yes you should and stay around a friend of mne had the same prob and droped of the car a M3 BMW only to come back early to fine the type of test drive they were doing was donuts out the back of the garage and the manager was in the car for a spin :arrow::arrow: it went to court over damage the payed for hire car new tyers all round and the guy driving was fired and the manager got a slap on the rist ..............

trust no one with your car .. ps not even the main MB dealer
:twisted::twisted::twisted::twisted:
we all know of the stories

 

[Richard Jones]

SL320 tracking /sterring wheel out of line.

Thanks everyone, I am aware of the technical inability required to become a kwik fit fitter and will take it back so they can fix the thing!

Failing that I'll see what my local MB dealer will do but from experience they are pretty shoddy and in line with many MB dealers. I wont mention the one who spoke to my brother like he was dirt even having bought a new E class!!

I'll go and hassle the monkeys in the morning

Thanks gain to you all

Richard

 

[kth286]

Richard

If you have afurther problem let the forum know as may be able to help, depending where you are based.