Wheel Alignment Specifications & Procedures: Adjustments Mercedes-Benz Pullman W220

RIDING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Note. Repair information for CL500 (2000), S430, S500 (2000), ML320, ML430 and ML55 is not available from manufacturer.

Note. Prior to performing wheel alignment, perform preliminary visual and mechanical inspection of wheels, tires and suspension components. See PRE-ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS in WHEEL ALIGNMENT THEORY & OPERATION article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

Note. Before checking vehicle level or riding height specification, inspect wheels for damage, check tires for proper inflation, ensure spare tire is in trunk with tools, remove any extra items from vehicle (luggage, etc.), and ensure fuel tank is full. If fuel tank is less than full, substitute missing fuel with approximately 6 lbs. of weight for each gallon of missing fuel.

PERFORMING ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE

1. Drive vehicle onto electronic alignment system. Unlock rotary and sliding plates. Install brake pedal winch on brake pedal. Attach measuring headed to each wheel. Perform initial measurement. Check vehicle level at front and rear axle and adjust as necessary. See «RIDING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT»(ref-4534-S24112844462000070500000) . Check ball point position. See «BALL POINT POSITION»(ref-4534-S29745074482000070500000) .
2. Check and adjust rear axle toe-in. Check and adjust camber and caster on front axle. Check and adjust camber and caster on rear axle (ML320, ML430 and ML55 only). If rear axle camber (except ML320, ML430 and ML55) is not within specification, problem may be caused by too great a difference in vehicle level between left and right side of vehicle or accident damage. If vehicle was damaged in an accident, toe-in may be out of specification also. Check and adjust front axle toe-in. Remove measuring heads and brake pedal winch. Test drive vehicle.

ADJUSTMENTS

Note. Rear axle camber and caster is not adjustable, except on ML320, ML430 and ML55. Information for ML320, ML430 and ML55 is not available.

1. Prior to adjusting camber and caster, completely release both stabilizer bar mounting brackets. After adjustment, tighten nuts on mounting brackets to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-4534-S08960728132000070500000).
2. Loosen hex nuts on lower wishbone mount to adjust camber (front eccentric bolt) and caster (rear eccentric bolt). When tightening hex nuts, after adjustment, hold eccentric bolts. Tighten nuts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-4534-S08960728132000070500000).
3. While adjusting camber on front eccentric bolt in plus direction, the caster also changes in plus direction. While adjusting camber in minus direction, the caster also changes in minus direction. When increasing caster on the rear eccentric bolt the camber changes in minus direction. When decreasing caster on the rear eccentric bolt the camber changes in plus direction. see scheme 8
4. If it is not possible to adjust camber to nominal value, check vehicle ride height and correct if necessary. A change of.4" (10 mm) in riding height results in an approximate change in camber of 1/4 degree. Check the connection between steering knuckle and shock absorber strut. The top surface of the steering knuckle should make contact with the shock absorber strut tube. Press inward at top of wheel (negative camber) or outward at top of wheel (positive camber), and tighten connection at appropriate point.
5. Check toe-in. Center steering wheel and install holder. Adjust to specifications. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-4534-S31105870812000070500000). On vehicles with rack and pinion steering, ensure rubber boot on inner tie rod is not twisted.

Scheme 1