Steering wheel is not centered - help...
 

Looking for a bit of input.

I posted this on rennlist, but thought I would post here as well.

I installed new turbo tie rods and Bilsteins a bit ago, then took the car in for an alignment. After the alignment, it pulls to the right a bit. I also noticed that the steering wheel does not center but turns slightly to the right (i.e., going straight, the horn cover is not perfectly horizontal).

Question, does adjusting the tie rods arm lenghts move the steering rack to center thereby centering the steering wheel? If so, then I believe the alignmnet guy did not do the job correctly - right? I know, evidently he didn't do it right anyway, that is why the car is pulling to the right...

TIA

Yes, an alignment should leave the wheel centered...unless you have removed/replaced your wheel afterward and not reinstalled it on the spline exactly as you removed it...and caused your own "issue." It certainly should not pull right. Take it back to have the alignment checked.

Incorrect corner balance will cause it to pull left or right more so than toe or camber adjustments. However you are right in your thinking about the tie rods (adjusted for toe) influencing the steering wheel "home" position. Even if the shop is adamant about the alignment being correct, they should have left you with a straight steering wheel.

Dan

Bring it back and have them go for a test ride with you and you can point out what is the problem, non centered wheel and pulling to the right.

Just as I thought. Wanted to make sure first.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to address my issue!

I'll second the other's inputs. Some technical data that made it all come together for me: the tie rods tie together the struts and the steering rack. If the lengths are different (even slightly!) from where they were originally, the toe-in and steering wheel centerpoint will be different. Having done this myself, I know that it only takes a turn or so in the wrong direction to make the steering wheel and front alignment really wrong.

On a slightly more aggressive note, if I took my car to a shop and they didn't even bother checking the steering wheel centering after replacing the tie rods, I'd probably avoid them in the future, if possible.

Just my $.02. :) How do you like the new turbo tie rods, BTW?


Dan

Dan,

I'm taking it to a different shop that was recommended by the P-car Dealer and the local PCA guys.

Good call. :)

Dan,
The T-tie rods made a great difference. The car feels much more responsive. I don't know which influenced the difference the most, the new Bilstiens HDs front/Sports rear, or the T-tie rods. Anyway, the car handles much better (I suspect it was a combination of both). My next project will be upgrading to Sanders hollow T-Bars. Looking to go 22/28 combo. Then after that a sport muffler (Monty or Dansk) and a Wong chip. Those are out there in the future. Gotta keep saving the dough....then convince the better half. :-)


Thanks for asking!

Yeah, the Chief Financial Officer can be a real help in keeping you from sliding down the slippery slope. Me being single, I lack that positive influence in my life. :( Either way, sounds like you've got a great plan. Enjoy that Porker. :)


Dan