To finish the story, yesterday I had four new shoes put on the wagon (Bridgestone Potenza's from TireBuyer, previously discussed) and a four wheel alignment at one of my favorite local businesses, Gerald's Tires and Brakes. Following someone's example on this list, I provided a copy of the MB alignment specifications to the shop and asked that they try to follow them.
They did, and the car handles superbly now. The best news is that the rear axle negative camber is within factory specs! The technician did offer that the front lower control arm inner bushings are pretty far gone, and he couldn't hit the factory spec exactly but got it pretty close. So, next major suspension work on that car will be front inner bushings, which will probably be done by my Indie, as I don't want to pay for the special tool for that one. -Max -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Dieselhead Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2010 11:49 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] The continuing 124 rear suspension saga I have pondered this phenomenon, but have no direct answer. My suspicion is that maybe somehow the spring link (LCA) stretches under high mileage. Perhaps the link mountings distort, but nothing is obvious. With this phenomenon, I have not suspected springs as the springs and rubber seats appear ok, and the height seems ok. I have NOT measured the height. Perhaps a really good frame straightening shop can help. They should have all the measurements etc. A friend has a 00 volvo that has been crabbing really bad, and pulling to the left. many alignment and "vovlo only" shops could not fix it or find a problem. I suggested he find a frame straightening shop. He took it in and they immediately found the problem and fixed it. He is very happy now. I CAN tell you that you are not alone. >OK 124 (and 201) experts, here's my puzzle. After replacing the four links >and also the bushings at each end of the spring link, I STILL have negative >camber on my 124 wagon. It is better, but it's still there. :( > >So, I've thought of a couple of causes and options. > >1) Eccentric bolt and elongated holes at the inner end of either the spring >link or the camber link, and adjust the camber directly. There is a note in >the Tech. Modification notes of the service manual that the very early 124 >cars had such an adjustment, but it was eliminated. > >2) Rear springs are worn out; Replace em! > >3) Rear spring pads are worn out; Replace em! > >How can I measure the ride height to determine if the negative camber is due >to decreased ride height? > >-Max (feeling a little negative) > > >_______________________________________ >http://www.okiebenz.com >For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com >To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ > >To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
