Yes, you need camber bolts. If you noticed when installed the control arms, where the bolt onto the frame, there are "fins" inside the control arm pivot point. The camber bolts mate with the fins and are curved, so as they are rotated, the arm moves in and out to adjust camber. Part number is A0003300018. Note that you may need two per side as both upper lower (torque and cross) struts can be adjusted.

 

Master RODNEY : steal this thread just for 1 second :Good used W203 elect-gear selector swap need to reprogram ? and they all the same from 2001 to 2006 ? Big thanks

 

No coding is needed, but I believe the pre-facelift (through MY2004) is not compatible with the post facelift (MY2005+).

 

Hi Rodney, I finally got to replace my control arms, (upper and lower) and also the struts and links since I'm already in there. Ball joint removal was a pain!

Question re the camber adjustment. I bought 4 fluted bolts to go with the new arms. However, I do not know which sides I should position them so I placed it in the middle again until I get an answer hopefully, then I'll re-position it again. Much appreciated, as always. Thanks. Phil

 

You need an alignment machine to measure the camber and caster to set those bolts properly. Some people do attempt to set those themselves by attempting some precision measurements but I'd just set them in the middle and drive it to an alignment shop. Or even leave the original bolts in place and give the fluted bolts to the alignment shop to use (they may not need to adjust all of them).

 

are these bolts always necessary after changing control arms? i had all the ctonrols arms at the front replaced with new as previous ones were worn but not excessively so, the guy did the alignment and adjusted toe but said camber and castor is okay and he said those bolts are only necessary if the car has had a accident ?

does anyone have values for w203 for camber and castor ranges please? i have the printouts from he alignment rack.

 

I don't have the numbers handy but I think I've seen them posted in the forum before.

The short answer is no, the fluted bolts are not always necessary. The car came from the factory with regular bolts installed in the middle position of the bushings and in theory if nothing else is bent new control arms should put it back to the factory spec.

The reality is that the car has been subject to many years of wear and tear, hitting potholes, rubbing against curbs, etc. It may need fluted bolts, but the alignment guy may very well be correct that the car is fine.

 

Camber bolts are only necessary if the alignment check determines that camber is off. If you installed them yourself, then yes, get it as close as you can, then immediately drive the shortest distance possible to a shop and get an alignment.