W463 - wandering and vibrating
OK, so I'm getting more used to my G300 and I've read almost every post over the past year so I know that vibration and supremely accurate steering is a common bugbear for many owners but I'm wondering if there is something that I can have done to improve matters.
A while ago I had the front wheels re-balanced and the tracking done at a MB specialist and both these did improve matters a lot however the tracking man did say that the front wheels remained "out by 2%" (or something similar) and that there was no adjustment available on the G to rectify that.
I saw an online advert a while ago for bushes and one set came with a "spacer" or "shim" or something similar that was claimed to sort out the common wheel alignment problem - the trouble is that I can't now find that website to investigate further.
What I think I really need is someone who knows what they are looking at as regards steering/suspension on Gs that I can take my car to so they can advise me properly.
Anyone have any ideas/suggestions/questions?
Any help much appreciated.
Mark
Hello,
First thing on any old G is to change the steering damper and this usually fixes any vibration problem. Go for the up-rated, large-diameter version from the MB dealer at around GBP -90, and not the older, skinny types sold elsewhere. The natural frequency seems to occur at around 60 mph.
Typical steering geometry is adjustable by castor angle, camber angle and toe-in. For the G, due to its rigid axles, only the toe-in is (easily) adjustable and, from memory I think this should be nominally 0 degrees, +2 mins. However, none of this should have any effect on vibration, unless perhaps the swivel bearings are worn. Incorrect toe-in (aka 'tracking') will only affect the balance of tyre wear between inside and outside tread. This is adjustable on the steering track-rod ends.
Other things to check are any play on the track-arm ball-joints, as this will negate any benefits from the damper as well as provide loose steering.
Finally, check that your brake discs are of good OEM quality (these should show balancing marks).
As far as I know, the G has no rubber bushes on any of the steering components: Only on the front radius arms, which locate the axles (you might want to check these) and on the anti-roll bar.
Each radius arm has two rubber bushes to locate the axle and a further set of bushes to locate each arm to the chassis. if any are worn or damaged, it can affect the thrust angle of the car.
Usually, the steering boxes will develop some play over the years and when that becomes excessive, it's a difficult problem to fix unless with a new or properly reconditioned steering box. There is an adjustment screw, but its functionality is limited and because it lifts the steering shaft any dirt or rust on the exposed end can be drawn into the rubber seal causing leaks.
I would say to start with the steering damper and check for any play in the steering arms and links.
http://www.anewtoronto.com/wheel%20alignment.html
http://www.motor.org.uk/documentlibrary/Sep%2009/TT%20_%20Sept%2009.pdf
http://gwoa.co.uk/forum/caster-angle
http://www.gwoa.co.uk/node/4569
All the stuff that Arnie says but don't forget the shock absorbers. I had an intermittent shudder which would generally start on long sweeping bends if you hit a bump mid corner.
Changing the shocks cured this. Oh and mine has a Discovery 2 Bilstien steering damper. IMHO better quality then the MB stablus damper and a lot cheaper.
Whereabouts in the country are you Mark?
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East Sussex - mid way between Brighton and Eastbourne.