Pull to the right

[KTaylor]

My '85 300D turbo sedan has a cronic pull to the right. Two shops have done front wheel alignments, both experienced Benz shops. Front end parts are within spec.

They say it might be tires. I have rotated them side to side and front to back without change.
Could the rear axle be out of alignment. There is some evidence the car has body work from a former lifetime. I have had it for 50,000 miles and the pull has gradually got worse. Brakes are not binding.

Would a shot rear sub-fame mount be a possible cause? Is there any adjustment for the back wheels?- I cannot see any.
My next step is to try a four wheel alignment.

Any suggestions would be most welcomed.

Perplexed in Edmonton,
ktaylor

[D.L. SWINFORD]

kTaylor;
You've put the cart in front of the horse.
Not to be silly, BUT you should have had the 4 wheel thrust alignment FIRST.
Yes there are adjustments on your '85 w12313x.
My '85 w123133, 300d Turbo has the wheels aligned every 24 months unless something similiar to what your's is doing.
Go to a "DEARLER" and have this done then sit back in the drivers seat and enjoy.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on The Gulf Coast, Don
A Moderator, Founder, President and Chairman of The Board of the 123 CHARACTER Club

[VLayton]

Yes, a four wheel should tell you the camber angle and such of the rear wheels. Just the front 2 will be misrepresented. The W123s did not come with adjustable rears, but I don't know what mods some may have done to theirs, or if an adjustable camber bolt is availible, from MB or aftermarket, but think such a bolt is possible, if it could be machined, it's a tempting idea I've been playing with, (just the idea, so far) but most cars I see do not have a rear camber issue. A collapsed rear trailing arm bushing and in combination with as you suggested, the sub-frame mounts would certainly throw the rear camber off, which would upset the car's fine, sensitive sense of balance considerably. I think you had some good considerations for your question, but agree the lack of a 4 wheel alignment is the big hole in your plan. Without that and at least a spreader bar you are feeling in the dark. I surprised the MB experienced shops didn't know that. Does that just mean those shops have made the same errors and other previous occasional MB jobs?

Good luck,

[KTaylor]

Thanks for the feedback. I will check with the dealer and see if they can do a thrust alignment. When I was underneath doing some looking around, discovered a tear in a drive shaft boot. Just starting to leak. More to do!
KTaylor
85 300d turbo

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Ktaylor;
Can't hurt to try and see
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on The Gulf Coast, Don
A Moderator, Founder, President and Chairman of The Board of the 123 CHARACTER Club