Steering Not Straight

[jimmyd]

I recently bought a 54 plate 130bhp tdi having done 30 000 miles from Matlock Ford.

 

The problem that I have is that when driving the steering wheel does not line up properly, it lines up slightly to the left at about 11 o'clock. This is annoying as i feel that i am always having to correct the s-wheel.

 

When I picked up the car i test drove it and the car did pull significantly to the left, but the garage looked at this and initially i thought it was resolved.

 

When i drive now there is a pull to the left but this is more pronounced when i brake or travel at low speed and come to a halt.

 

The car is due to go back to the garage to resolve an unrelated issue but i want this to be looked at as well.

 

Any ideas on what may be wrong so I can mention this to the garage? Can the s-wheel be easily re-alligned?

 

Help/thoughts welcomed.

 

thanks

[Saif Rehman]

I recently bought a 54 plate 130bhp tdi having done 30 000 miles from Matlock Ford.

 

The problem that I have is that when driving the steering wheel does not line up properly, it lines up slightly to the left at about 11 o'clock. This is annoying as i feel that i am always having to correct the s-wheel.

 

When I picked up the car i test drove it and the car did pull significantly to the left, but the garage looked at this and initially i thought it was resolved.

 

When i drive now there is a pull to the left but this is more pronounced when i brake or travel at low speed and come to a halt.

 

The car is due to go back to the garage to resolve an unrelated issue but i want this to be looked at as well.

 

Any ideas on what may be wrong so I can mention this to the garage? Can the s-wheel be easily re-alligned?

 

Help/thoughts welcomed.

 

thanks

 

Hi Jimmy,

 

In my opinion it could be a anything, ranging from:

 

1. Underinflated tyre.

2. Bad wheel alignment. (Tyre wear ok and even?)

3. Sticking brake caliper.

4. Suspension and associated parts.

 

The list probably goes on.............

 

Re-aligining the steering wheel manually (ie By undoing it then doing it up straight) will not resolve the issue - the car will still pull to the left. I would definitely get the supplying garage to fix the problem and don't take no for an answer.

[charlize2001]

Hi

I'm not an expert but I know with my other car (vw golf) I had the same problem. For me it was simply the wheels needed to re-aligned as they was completely out from where they was supposed to be which caused me to have to replace two front tyres within 6 months as they had uneven wear. It only cost under

Edited October 16, 2007 by charlize2001

[fastphil]

it will more than likely be the tracking my friend

it only has to be out a fraction and it will pull to one side

make sure you take it to a garage that has laser alignment

it is spot on

[mikeohope]

it will more than likely be the tracking my friend

it only has to be out a fraction and it will pull to one side

make sure you take it to a garage that has laser alignment

it is spot on

 

but make sure if you take it to kwik fit that somebody who knows what they are doing does the alignment ie not a first day probationer!!!!!

 

It is also critical that they "lock" the steering wheel in central before adjusting anything othewise you can find you have aligned the wheels with a misaligned steering wheel.

 

Don't forget that road camber and load can also affect the position of the steering wheel