Alignment done... steering wheel still tilted

[Cyrax91]

Hi guys,

I had an alignment done on my M3 yesterday. Its not pulling either way now everything seems good, but my steering wheel is still somewhat tilted to the left when driving straight. Anyone know why this could be happening?

Thanks!

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by Cyrax91

Hi guys,

I had an alignment done on my M3 yesterday. Its not pulling either way now everything seems good, but my steering wheel is still somewhat tilted to the left when driving straight. Anyone know why this could be happening?

Thanks!

Sounds like they forgot to center your steering wheel when they did the alignment. Go back should be a quick fix.

[Cyrax91]

Originally Posted by Bubbles

Sounds like they forgot to center your steering wheel when they did the alignment. Go back should be a quick fix.

Thanks man. Ill give them a call and ask!

[Richard@M-World]

Originally Posted by Bubbles

Sounds like they forgot to center your steering wheel when they did the alignment. Go back should be a quick fix.

+1. Another possibility could be the tires. Do you have uneven wear between the left and right tires? For example, a lot of guys who go to the track have off-centered steering wheels.

[Malek@MRF]

The tech that does your alignment must make sure that it is alignment with correct weight in the car (at the least a drivers weight) and a decent amount of fuel.

A steering wheel holder should also be used when adjusting front end alignment.

3 things that must be checked:
1) Thrust Angle must be 0.00.
2) Steering wheel must be centered and locked in center position.
3) Front and rear subframes must be centered and in true square position (usually a problem if there has been bushing work, or subframe work done. In rare cases, the subframe can shift, but again, rare.

[Cyrax91]

Thanks guys. I called them yesterday and im taking the car in this afternoon. He said he's going to fix the problem for me so ill keep you updated. Thanks again for the comments you guys are awesome!

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by Malekreza11

The tech that does your alignment must make sure that it is alignment with correct weight in the car (at the least a drivers weight) and a decent amount of fuel.

A steering wheel holder should also be used when adjusting front end alignment.

3 things that must be checked:
1) Thrust Angle must be 0.00.
2) Steering wheel must be centered and locked in center position.
3) Front and rear subframes must be centered and in true square position (usually a problem if there has been bushing work, or subframe work done. In rare cases, the subframe can shift, but again, rare.

+1 Good info
I make the alignment guys throw in 200 lbs of sand bags in the driver seat (after the protective cloth is apply)

[Pauldramos]

Great info in this post. I will be getting an alignment tomorrow.

[Cyrax91]

So i went in again and they checked the alignment. Im not sure exactly how it works, but they showed me that everything was perfect and the wheel was still somewhat tilted to the left. They made some minor adjustments and said it was a cosmetic change to make the wheel straight. Driving the car feels great now and the wheel sits perfectly. They said it could be due to the Hankook tires, but im not sure. Any idea why the alignment would be perfect and the wheel still off? Anyways just thought id throw in a quick update. Thanks for the help guys!

[Malek@MRF]

Glad you got it all worked out!

[kitw]

Originally Posted by Cyrax91

So i went in again and they checked the alignment. Im not sure exactly how it works, but they showed me that everything was perfect and the wheel was still somewhat tilted to the left. They made some minor adjustments and said it was a cosmetic change to make the wheel straight. Driving the car feels great now and the wheel sits perfectly. They said it could be due to the Hankook tires, but im not sure. Any idea why the alignment would be perfect and the wheel still off? Anyways just thought id throw in a quick update. Thanks for the help guys!

The alignment rack is probably off.

[Malek@MRF]

Originally Posted by kitw

The alignment rack is probably off.

Thats possible, but this seems like a common case where the alignment technician didn't take care to make sure everything along with the steering wheel is perfect.

[Cyrax91]

Originally Posted by Malekreza11

Thats possible, but this seems like a common case where the alignment technician didn't take care to make sure everything along with the steering wheel is perfect.

Yup. Definitely just an issue with making the steering wheel straight. It was an easy fix. Good info for anyone having this problem. Thanks again guys for all the help!