Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2000 Mercedes Benz ML430FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Wheel Alignment Procedures: 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 Fig 1 .
- 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.
- Check toe-in. Center steering wheel and install holder. Adjust to specifications. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS . On vehicles with rack and pinion steering, ensure rubber boot on inner tie rod is not twisted.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.