Steering not centered after rod bearings done - FIXED

[LeeMT]

Hi guys, I just got the rod bearings replaced last weekend.

After everything was done, my steering wheel was like 5 degrees off-centered.
And I got those warning codes! OMG, what's going on?????

PS: I am not blaming the techs who did the job, I am just wandering to know who else had this problem? Is this just a normal thing after replacing rod bearings?

Codes are gone after reprogramming, but couldn't fix the off-centered problem by reinstalling subframe.

[kyrix1st]

Some things to check:

1. Low battery voltage -> DSC, DBC, FTM, start off assistance, DDC
2. Loose ground cable somewhere (probably near the engine bay) -> same as above
3. Oil level seems to be low. Add half a quart and reset oil level.
4. off-center steering wheel: I'm guessing wheel alignment/tie rod length is way off. For oil pan to come off, the whole front subframe needs to come down.

[spazzyfry123]

Have you checked with the shop that did the work..?

[LeeMT]

Originally Posted by kyrix1st

Some things to check:

1. Low battery voltage -> DSC, DBC, FTM, start off assistance, DDC
2. Loose ground cable somewhere (probably near the engine bay) -> same as above
3. Oil level seems to be low. Add half a quart and reset oil level.
4. off-center steering wheel: I'm guessing wheel alignment/tie rod length is way off. For oil pan to come off, the whole front subframe needs to come down.

We fixed the code, but we couldn't find why the steering off center. We believe we put all the parts back properly, it's at the shop now ready for alignment.

[LeeMT]

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

Have you checked with the shop that did the work..?

Yes, we did...couldn't find why...

[Banana Hammock]

When I got my rod bearings done at MRF, the service included an alignment. I suppose this is why?

[Shiza]

Might need your steering angle sensor reprogrammed. I once turned my traction control off and did a couple donuts. Afterward my wheel was off centered and I had similar codes. BMW had to recalibrate my steering angle sensor.

[LeeMT]

Originally Posted by Shiza

Might need your steering angle sensor reprogrammed. I once turned my traction control off and did a couple donuts. Afterward my wheel was off centered and I had similar codes. BMW had to recalibrate my steering angle sensor.

My friend did the reprogramming for me and codes are gone. but we tried so hard to work on everything we could touch on RB job, couldn't fix the off-centered issue. I am trying to do an alignment and pray that will fix the issue.

[LeeMT]

Originally Posted by Banana Hammock

When I got my rod bearings done at MRF, the service included an alignment. I suppose this is why?

yes, I was told so. Just could not make sure if it's a common issue like what I got

[brettcp]

Originally Posted by Banana Hammock

When I got my rod bearings done at MRF, the service included an alignment. I suppose this is why?

Same here.. I believe its a must after what has to be removed to do the RB job.

[Scharbag]

When you drop the sub-frame, you disconnect the rack from the steering column at the splined shaft connection point. On my M3, the splined shaft had a tab that could only be installed 1 way so I only had to make sure my wheel did not do a 360° revolution.

Also, if someone turned the wheel when it was not connected to the rack, there is a chance that the clock-spring is out of position. If this is bad enough, the clock spring can be broken when making a full lock turn.

Good luck with sorting it out!!

Cheers,

[tdott]

That is off by alot, usually when I do them they are barely off, but it's good practice to get it aligned after to be sure nothing moved out of spec.

Did they remove the subframe completely or let it hang? If removed completely I can see it being more off depending on what/how they removed the front suspension from the subframe.

Get an alignment done and reset the steering angle sensor and you should be good.

[SAMM3Y]

The steering column is keyed and splined so they can't put that back together wrong. Just the invasiveness of the job can throw the alignment off but -5 that's a lot. I'd wonder if your subframe went back on squarely and evenly torqued. Also would check preload on sway bar and the end links. One thing I noticed when I did mine was the motor mounts were so worn the sump on the engine had been rubbing on the big aftermarket sway bar.

I didn't have to do an alignment after I did mine.

[LeeMT]

Thanks guys for sharing, I will look into what I can get after alignment.

[Scharbag]

Originally Posted by SAMM3Y

The steering column is keyed and splined so they can't put that back together wrong...

It seems you are correct. As I said, my column was keyed. SYT's DIY seemed to imply that his was not. According to NewInfo.TIS it is keyed. Mine was keyed so it was easy. I did get an alignment cause I removed my lower control arms from the subframe. Apparently, it is better to drop the struts with the subframe and avoid the need for an alignment.

Thanks for the good info SAMM3Y.

[Helmsman]

Lee, funny I noticed just the other day that I have the same issue, few degree but to the right. Had my RBs done last Summer so can't be it. Interesting to get your feedback on the wheel alignment and see if that helped.

Thanks

[Richbot]

Time to change the main bearings sorry bro

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by Richbot

Time to change the main bearings sorry bro

Ouch, didnt think of that.

[LeeMT]

UPDATE

Problem fixed by doing an alignment. I am running with Ohlins RT, the guy told me the aftermarket suspension cause the off-centered issue. I don't really understand why I didn't have any issues before I did RB, and -5 degrees couldn't make me and the tech believe this when it just happend, so weird! Even the tech who did my RB said he has done so many M3s' RBs and never had such an issue.

Anyways, It's all good now and thank you all for sharing your ideas!

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by LeeMT

UPDATE

Problem fixed by doing an alignment. I am running with Ohlins RT, the guy told me the aftermarket suspension cause the off-centered issue. I don't really understand why I didn't have any issues before I did RB, and -5 degrees couldn't make me and the tech believe this when it just happend, so weird! Even the tech who did my RB said he has done so many M3s' RBs and never had such an issue.

Anyways, It's all good now and thank you all for sharing your ideas!

Thanks Lee. Thats it then time for an alignment. Noticed any other differences?

[LeeMT]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Thanks Lee. Thats it then time for an alignment. Noticed any other differences?

I think you should do an alignment too in your case, and see what happen. As other members mentioned, the column is keyed, there is not much play with something related.

Sorry, they didn't tell me much more as there are no much issues to be noticed but just the extra tiers wear

[SoCalRPM]

Originally Posted by Scharbag

When you drop the sub-frame, you disconnect the rack from the steering column at the splined shaft connection point. On my M3, the splined shaft had a tab that could only be installed 1 way so I only had to make sure my wheel did not do a 360° revolution.

Also, if someone turned the wheel when it was not connected to the rack, there is a chance that the clock-spring is out of position. If this is bad enough, the clock spring can be broken when making a full lock turn.

Good luck with sorting it out!!

Cheers,

Informative post!

Glad to hear all is back to normal, OP