2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris — Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

Front Axle:

• Camber/Caster: The front camber and caster angles on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris are not adjustable from the factory. The strut is mounted to the knuckle in a fixed position. To correct for camber or caster that has fallen out of the specified range, Mercedes-Benz offers special "repair" bolts (often called crash bolts) that are slightly smaller in diameter than the factory bolts. This allows for a small amount of play in the strut-to-knuckle mounting, enabling a technician to achieve a few tenths of a degree of change. For more significant adjustments, aftermarket cam bolt kits are available.
• Toe: Front toe is adjustable via the threaded tie rod ends. Loosening the jam nut and turning the inner tie rod will push the front of the tire in or out, allowing for precise toe setting.

Rear Axle:

• Camber/Toe: The rear of the Metris features a semi-trailing arm independent suspension. Both camber and toe are adjustable. The lower control arm has eccentric bolts at its mounting points to the subframe. A technician can rotate these bolts to move the arm in or out, affecting both camber and toe simultaneously. It requires a skilled technician to balance the adjustments to bring both angles into specification.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For most 2016 Metris vans, the factory eccentric bolts on the rear axle provide sufficient range for adjustment, assuming the vehicle has not been in a collision or had suspension components bent.

On the front axle, if camber or caster is out of specification due to minor suspension settling or component wear, the recommended solution is a set of Mercedes-Benz repair bolts (part number 000-333-09-71). For more significant corrections that are beyond the range of the repair bolts, aftermarket kits from companies like SPC Performance or Eibach are a viable option.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Your Metris may be telling you it needs an alignment through its handling characteristics and tire wear.

• Pulling or Drifting: The most common symptom is the vehicle pulling to one side (usually the side with less positive caster or more negative camber).
• Off-center Steering Wheel: When driving straight, the steering wheel is crooked.
• Tire Wear Patterns:
  • Inner Edge Wear: This typically indicates too much negative camber or excessive toe-out. On the Metris, this is a common wear pattern for both front and rear tires when alignment is out of spec.
  • Outer Edge Wear: This suggests too much positive camber or excessive toe-in.
  • Feathering or Scalloping: When you run your hand across the tread blocks, they feel like saw teeth. This is a classic sign of a bad toe setting, which causes the tire to scuff sideways as it rolls forward.

When to align

It is recommended to have your wheel alignment checked and adjusted under the following circumstances:

• After installing new tires: To ensure you get the maximum life out of your new investment.
• After any suspension or steering component replacement: This includes struts, control arms, tie rods, or bushings. Any change here will directly affect the alignment angles.
• After a significant impact: Hitting a large pothole, curb, or road debris can easily knock the alignment out of its precise settings.
• Every 1-2 years as preventative maintenance: Suspension components wear and settle over time, causing gradual changes in alignment.

Typical alignment cost

For a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris, a four-wheel alignment will typically cost between $150 and $250. This price can vary based on the shop's labor rate and location. If adjustment bolts or kits are required to bring the alignment into spec, you can expect to pay an additional $50-$150 for parts and the labor to install them.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.