FRONT STEERING

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bedi22001
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Location: Glasgow

Hi Guys i have a W463 2015 G 350, i am having problems with keeping it in a straight line, its like the steering has major play in it, i have had it tracked twice however it still feels the same, the steering wheel is now straight and is dead centre but play is still their.  When i look at it the front driver side wheel looks like its facing outwards by at least 2 to 3 cm compairing it to the passnger side, i changed the front steering bar with the two ball joints on it to see if that makes a diffrence but its still the same.  Have look at wheel bearings but thats all fine, it may be play in the steering box but would that still make the wheel face out wards by 2cm?  Tracking guys are saying the G Class comes with a fixed toe so cant be adjusted, can anybody help?  Anybody had the same probelm?

Jdring
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Joined: 12.04.2004
Location: South of Oxford, UK. 87' 230GE SWB Manual, 89' 230GE SWB Auto, 2012 G350Bluetec LWB
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Re: FRONT STEERING

Hopefully you will get some experienced reply.  I have the same (2012) G350 so interested to know.  I believe I heard that tracking is fixed also, but I would expect slight toe in, if so.

My steering is fairly stiff.  Especially compared to 1989 460 which is like a lottery with steering, as with all 460s and needs constant touches. The 463 is solid as a rock on straight runs.

You don't mention any pull to one way or another, which implies the tracking is equal.

How about air in the steering hydraulics?  If it got low and was topped up.  Maybe bleeding it would be a good idea.  Lets see what others say.

Jdring
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Location: South of Oxford, UK. 87' 230GE SWB Manual, 89' 230GE SWB Auto, 2012 G350Bluetec LWB
GWOA Groups: Committee, Members
Re: FRONT STEERING
Pistonhead
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Location: Loughborough
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Re: FRONT STEERING

Front tracking and steering wheel alignment is possible. 

Tracking is -2 to - +2 mm; I usually used to set it at 0 mm i.e. parallel.

If it is a matter of aligning the steering wheel then this could be done without affecting the tracking settings. The adjustment is on the bar infront of the front axle i.e. link from steering box to front stub axle joint.

Use capable tyre fitters who have a four wheel aligment sysytem - this will show any "Crabbing" anomalies.Crabbing is the rear tend to steer off centre just like a crab walks.

Have the threads for the adjusters presoaked with penetrating oil before going to the fitters. 

Jdring
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Joined: 12.04.2004
Location: South of Oxford, UK. 87' 230GE SWB Manual, 89' 230GE SWB Auto, 2012 G350Bluetec LWB
GWOA Groups: Committee, Members
Re: FRONT STEERING

Ah yes.  Crabbing from the rear wheel alignment.  Just a slight difference there would cause the steering to need to be slightly off centre to correct and would appear like drifting.

I am surmising that a quick way to test this might be to measure the distance from front to rear wheel dead centre. On both sides.  If there is a significant difference then the rear axle (or chassis) is twisted a bit.

From the original post however, it sounds like there is visible toe-out, and that shouldn't be the case.  You would also notice that on tyre wear.

Nick123
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Location: Argyll, Scotland
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Re: FRONT STEERING
Any decent workshop should be able to check and, if necessary, adjust the tracking. Even before getting to that stage a visual assesment of tyre wear should give an indication of what's happening. From personal experience I would be inclined to give the Big Names a wide berth.