Off-center/loose steering wheel

zipper228 · 08-08-2019, 10:15 AM

Hoping for a bit of diagnostic help here so I can direct my indy appropriately.
Searched a lot but haven't found a clear answer to my specific issue, no attention in the maintenance section.

Steering wheel is off center by maybe a 1/2" or so to the left when the car is tracking straight, meaning I'm constantly driving with the wheel slightly turned left. I had an alignment done recently which I hoped would solve this but didn't. I've also noticed that the steering feels slightly "looser" to the left than it does turning to the right. Not sure if this is just perceived in my head though due to the fact that its already off center (hence the feeling that going just slightly past center to the right has a tighter feel than the other direction). Front tires are new (had this issue long before getting them changed), tire pressure is correct all around.

Anyone else dealt with and solved this or have an idea as what specifically I should be asking them to fix/adjust? Huge thanks in advance!

Drv4fun · 08-08-2019, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zipper228

Hoping for a bit of diagnostic help here so I can direct my indy appropriately.
Searched a lot but haven't found a clear answer to my specific issue, no attention in the maintenance section.

Steering wheel is off center by maybe a 1/2" or so to the left when the car is tracking straight, meaning I'm constantly driving with the wheel slightly turned left. I had an alignment done recently which I hoped would solve this but didn't. I've also noticed that the steering feels slightly "looser" to the left than it does turning to the right. Not sure if this is just perceived in my head though due to the fact that its already off center (hence the feeling that going just slightly past center to the right has a tighter feel than the other direction). Front tires are new (had this issue long before getting them changed), tire pressure is correct all around.

Anyone else dealt with and solved this or have an idea as what specifically I should be asking them to fix/adjust? Huge thanks in advance!

Where was the alignment done? These cars have a special center steering wheel procedure during alignment.

zipper228 · 08-08-2019, 11:09 AM

Thanks, it was sub-contracted out by the indy that does all the work to one of their partners so I would wager that the procedure may not have been followed correctly, however I was experiencing this issue prior to the alignment being done..

mapster37 · 08-08-2019, 07:33 PM

what work was done prior to steering wheel off center issue?

GORDON.M3 · 08-08-2019, 07:50 PM

get an alignment, I do mine every year just as an inspection on the control arms also.

MikeHawk7 · 08-08-2019, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drv4fun

Where was the alignment done? These cars have a special center steering wheel procedure during alignment.

What does this special procedure entail? Is it something a standard reputable alignment shop would know or is it something I should do at a BMW-focused shop?

zipper228 · 08-09-2019, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mapster37

what work was done prior to steering wheel off center issue?

Nothing really, its had this issue for some time now - had the alignment done hoping that would correct it but it did not.

msan · 08-09-2019, 11:36 AM

If you are in SoCal I recommend an appt at west end in Gardena. He’s aligned many e9x m3s and did mine.

mapster37 · 08-09-2019, 02:13 PM

i would have the dealer align it and be clear in telling them the steering wheel is off center and u will be checking that when u pick up....

GORDON.M3 · 08-09-2019, 08:55 PM

If you have had issues even after an alignment, you might want to check the tie rods and control arms. The slightest bend in them you cant even see will have your car steering/pulling to one side.

Grip Addict · 08-13-2019, 02:28 PM

Any chance the tires are just following the camber of the road?

I thought my steering was off a hair, but found a true straight-straight and it stayed straight and true.

Chromey · 08-17-2019, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drv4fun

Where was the alignment done? These cars have a special center steering wheel procedure during alignment.

I have had my alignment done and find the car pulls a little left whe. The wheel is straight but it likes to sit slightly to the right when I just leave it to drive straight.

What procedure is unique to bmw m3... so I can explain to the shop when I get them to re check it?

Helmsman · 08-17-2019, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chromey

I have had my alignment done and find the car pulls a little left whe. The wheel is straight but it likes to sit slightly to the right when I just leave it to drive straight.

What procedure is unique to bmw m3... so I can explain to the shop when I get them to re check it?

Had an alignment done the other week (for 1st time in 5y). It didnt pull but wheel was slight off center. Turned out the alignment was needed big time, no special hazzle for the guy who did it, half hour, perfect. Sounds like your guy need to readdress? (all tires incl pressure ok?)

Btw various good info here: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367003

08-08-2019, 10:15 AM	#1
zipper228 Private First Class 202 Rep 193 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 M3 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: So Cal iTrader: (1)	Off-center/loose steering wheel Hoping for a bit of diagnostic help here so I can direct my indy appropriately. Searched a lot but haven't found a clear answer to my specific issue, no attention in the maintenance section. Steering wheel is off center by maybe a 1/2" or so to the left when the car is tracking straight, meaning I'm constantly driving with the wheel slightly turned left. I had an alignment done recently which I hoped would solve this but didn't. I've also noticed that the steering feels slightly "looser" to the left than it does turning to the right. Not sure if this is just perceived in my head though due to the fact that its already off center (hence the feeling that going just slightly past center to the right has a tighter feel than the other direction). Front tires are new (had this issue long before getting them changed), tire pressure is correct all around. Anyone else dealt with and solved this or have an idea as what specifically I should be asking them to fix/adjust? Huge thanks in advance!
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08-08-2019, 11:09 AM	#3
zipper228 Private First Class 202 Rep 193 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 M3 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: So Cal iTrader: (1)	Thanks, it was sub-contracted out by the indy that does all the work to one of their partners so I would wager that the procedure may not have been followed correctly, however I was experiencing this issue prior to the alignment being done..
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08-08-2019, 07:33 PM	#4
mapster37 Captain 357 Rep 923 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Davie iTrader: (2)	what work was done prior to steering wheel off center issue?
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08-08-2019, 07:50 PM	#5
GORDON.M3 Colonel 1419 Rep 2,998 Posts Drives: E92 M3 • F25 X3 M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: LAX/YYZ/NRT iTrader: (11)	get an alignment, I do mine every year just as an inspection on the control arms also. __________________ INSTAGRAM: GORDON.M3 North American Mr12Volt Carplay/Android Auto Distributor DINAN \| EVOSPORT \| VAC \| ARP \| RD SPORT \| NEEZ \| EIBACH \| CSF \| IND \| BILSTEIN \| KLASSEN \| BREMBO \| ENDLESS \| BBS \| BPM SPORT \| PROJECT MU \| EVENTURI
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08-09-2019, 11:36 AM	#8
msan Major 403 Rep 1,171 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 / 2012 X5 35i M Sp Join Date: May 2015 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (16)	If you are in SoCal I recommend an appt at west end in Gardena. He’s aligned many e9x m3s and did mine.
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08-09-2019, 02:13 PM	#9
mapster37 Captain 357 Rep 923 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Davie iTrader: (2)	i would have the dealer align it and be clear in telling them the steering wheel is off center and u will be checking that when u pick up....
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08-09-2019, 08:55 PM	#10
GORDON.M3 Colonel 1419 Rep 2,998 Posts Drives: E92 M3 • F25 X3 M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: LAX/YYZ/NRT iTrader: (11)	If you have had issues even after an alignment, you might want to check the tie rods and control arms. The slightest bend in them you cant even see will have your car steering/pulling to one side. __________________ INSTAGRAM: GORDON.M3 North American Mr12Volt Carplay/Android Auto Distributor DINAN \| EVOSPORT \| VAC \| ARP \| RD SPORT \| NEEZ \| EIBACH \| CSF \| IND \| BILSTEIN \| KLASSEN \| BREMBO \| ENDLESS \| BBS \| BPM SPORT \| PROJECT MU \| EVENTURI
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08-13-2019, 02:28 PM	#11
Grip Addict Banned 1080 Rep 713 Posts Drives: ///M3 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: PA iTrader: (9)	Any chance the tires are just following the camber of the road? I thought my steering was off a hair, but found a true straight-straight and it stayed straight and true.
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