2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

*All angles are in degrees and minutes.

Adjustability

On the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, front toe is adjustable from the factory. This is typically done via tie rod ends, allowing for precise steering wheel centering and individual toe settings. Front camber and caster, however, are not factory-adjustable. This means that if your Sprinter is outside of the specified camber or caster range, you'll need to investigate worn components such as ball joints, control arm bushings, or wheel bearings. In some cases, aftermarket solutions like camber bolts or eccentric bushings can provide a limited range of adjustment for these angles, but these should be considered after ruling out worn parts.

The rear axle of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter generally offers no factory adjustments for camber or toe. Rear total toe and individual toe values are set by the factory and primarily influenced by solid axle integrity. If rear axle alignment issues are noted, it often points to bent axle housings, worn leaf spring bushings, or damaged mounting points. Thrust angle, which is the direction the rear wheels are pointing relative to the centerline of the vehicle, is also non-adjustable. An incorrect thrust angle usually indicates an issue with the rear axle assembly or mounting.

Recommended adjustment hardware

Given the limited factory adjustability for front camber and caster on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, if alignment issues persist after addressing worn components, specialized aftermarket hardware may be considered. Common options include:

• Aftermarket Camber Bolts/Kits: These can often provide a small degree of camber adjustment by allowing the strut to be moved relative to the steering knuckle. It's important to choose high-quality components designed specifically for the Sprinter to ensure durability and proper fitment.

Always consult with a qualified alignment technician to determine the best course of action and appropriate hardware for your specific situation.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Misaligned wheels on your 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can manifest in several ways, often leading to premature tire wear, compromised handling, and reduced fuel economy. Look out for these common symptoms:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is one of the most immediate indicators of an alignment problem. Depending on which alignment angle is off, the wear pattern will differ:
  • Feathering: If the tire tread blocks are worn smooth on one side and sharp on the other (like running your hand across a feather), this often indicates incorrect toe settings.
  • Camber Wear (one-sided wear): If only the inner or outer edge of the tire is significantly worn, this points to excessive positive or negative camber.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: While sometimes related to worn suspension components like shocks, cupping (areas of wear alternating with areas of less wear around the tire circumference) can also be exacerbated by alignment issues.
• Steering Wheel Not Centered: If your steering wheel is off-center when driving straight, this is a clear sign of incorrect toe settings.
• Vehicle Pulling to One Side: If your Sprinter consistently drifts or pulls to the left or right, even on a flat road, it's time for an alignment inspection. This can be caused by camber, caster, or toe issues.
• Loose or Wandering Steering: If the vehicle feels less stable or requires constant small steering corrections to stay in a straight line, alignment could be a factor, especially caster.
• Increased Fuel Consumption: While less obvious, misaligned wheels create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and consuming more fuel.

When to align

Regular wheel alignments are crucial for maintaining the performance and safety of your 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Here are key times when you should consider scheduling an alignment:

• After Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: Any time you replace parts like tie rod ends, ball joints, control arms, struts, or shock absorbers, an alignment is necessary.
• After Installing New Tires: To ensure you get the maximum lifespan and performance from your new tires, an alignment should always accompany their installation.
• After Encountering a Significant Impact: Hitting a large pothole, curb, or getting into a minor accident can easily knock your alignment out of spec.
• If You Notice Any of the Above Symptoms: Don't wait for tire wear to become severe; address alignment issues as soon as you notice symptoms.
• As Part of Routine Maintenance: Even without obvious symptoms, it's generally recommended to have your alignment checked every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or annually, especially for a commercial vehicle like the Sprinter that carries varying loads.

Typical alignment cost

The typical cost for a wheel alignment on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can vary based on your location, the shop, and whether any adjustments or additional parts are needed. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200 for a standard two-axle alignment. If specialized adjustments or aftermarket components are required due to non-adjustable factory settings, the cost could be higher. Always ask for a detailed estimate before any work begins.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.