2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers limited factory adjustment for wheel alignment.

Front Axle:

• Camber: Not directly adjustable from the factory. If camber is outside of the specified range, it often indicates worn or bent suspension components. Aftermarket camber bolts or adjustable control arms can be installed to allow for camber adjustment.
• Caster: Adjustable using eccentric bolts on the lower control arm. This allows for fine-tuning of the steering feel and straight-line stability.
• Total Toe: Adjustable via the tie rod ends. This is the primary front-end adjustment and directly impacts tire wear and steering response.
• Individual Toe: Adjusted in conjunction with total toe, ensuring each wheel points in the correct direction relative to the vehicle's centerline.
• SAI (Steering Axis Inclination): Not adjustable. SAI is a function of the steering knuckle and suspension design. Deviations typically indicate bent components.

Rear Axle:

• Camber: Not directly adjustable from the factory. Similar to the front, out-of-spec rear camber usually points to worn or damaged suspension parts. Aftermarket solutions may be available.
• Total Toe: Adjustable via eccentric bolts on the trailing arms or control arms, depending on the specific suspension configuration. This is crucial for rear tire wear and overall vehicle stability.
• Individual Toe: Adjusted as part of the total toe adjustment.
• Thrust Angle: Not directly adjustable. Thrust angle is determined by the rear total toe and geometric center of the rear axle. If the thrust angle is out, it indicates an issue with the rear toe settings or a bent axle/frame.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For situations where factory adjustments are insufficient or non-existent, several aftermarket solutions can help achieve proper alignment:

• Camber Bolts: For the front and potentially the rear, these bolts replace the original non-adjustable bolts in the strut or control arm, providing a limited range of camber adjustment.
• Adjustable Control Arms: Both front and rear, these often offer a greater range of adjustment for camber and sometimes caster than simple camber bolts. They are a more comprehensive solution for vehicles with significant alignment issues or modified suspension.
• Eccentric Bushings: These can be used in some control arm mounts to provide a small amount of camber or caster adjustment.

Always consult with a qualified alignment technician to determine the best solution for your Sprinter.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Misaligned wheels can manifest in several ways, impacting your driving experience and wallet:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most common symptom. Specific patterns can indicate particular issues:
  • Feathering: Saw-tooth wear pattern across the tread, often indicating excessive toe-in or toe-out.
  • Inner or Outer Shoulder Wear: Consistent wear on one edge of the tire, typically points to incorrect camber settings.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: Irregular dips or scoops on the tire tread, often a sign of worn suspension components, but can be exacerbated by alignment issues.
• Steering Wheel Off-Center: If your steering wheel isn't straight when driving in a straight line, your alignment is likely off.
• Vehicle Pulling: The vehicle consistently drifts to one side, requiring constant steering correction.
• Loose or Wandering Steering: The vehicle feels unstable and difficult to keep in a straight line.
• Squealing Tires: Tires may squeal during turns, even at low speeds, due to excessive toe.

When to align

Regular alignment checks are good preventative maintenance, but certain events necessitate an immediate alignment:

• After Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: Any work involving steering rods, control arms, ball joints, struts, or other suspension parts will alter alignment settings.
• New Tires: Protect your investment! New tires should always be accompanied by an alignment to ensure even wear and maximize their lifespan.
• Impacting a Curb or Pothole: Even a seemingly minor impact can knock your alignment out of specification.
• After an Accident: Any collision that affects the vehicle's chassis or suspension requires an alignment check.
• Every 12 Months or 12,000 Miles: This is a good general guideline for preventative maintenance, even if you don't notice any immediate symptoms.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can vary based on your location, the shop, and whether any adjustments require aftermarket parts. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $250 for a standard four-wheel alignment. If specialized parts or extensive labor are required to correct severe alignment issues, the cost could be higher. Always ask for a detailed estimate before any work begins.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.