Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: kns on September 15, 2003, 02:28:17
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I run a '65 230sl and experience just a little 'tramlining' - the tendency of the car on occasion to follow its own line and stubbornly ignore subtle steering adjustments. I think that the camber/castor adjustments are fairly good (although confirmation of the optimum set-up would be welcome), so I am left to wonder whether I should replace the suspension bushes or look for a more sinister cause.
One possibility is the freeplay in the front kingpin connection - if I push on the top of the wheel, it 'gives' a couple of centimetres (3/4"), which I feel it should not. I am hoping that does not signal a need to changeout the kingpins, as I suspect that an entire assembly will be hard to source [in Australia] and/or uncomfortably expensive.
Any thoughts will be much appreciated.
kns.
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I believe the wheel should not give at all. Others with real suspension / steering experience can elaborate on the details.
Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420
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kns,
I don't know how much your suspension is involved, but tire sidewall stiffness has a lot to do with tramlining. Wide, low profile tires are really susceptible to this. Sidewall stiffness is also affected by inflation pressure. I was previously running tire pressures of 28 psi F/30 psi rear. At Albert's suggestion, I upped the rear pressure to 35 psi, and immediately noticed an increased tendency to tramline.
George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual