Steering Wheel is off centre
- Thread starter 3shedz
- Start date
As above they haven’t adjusted the track rod ends evenly to keep the steering wheel straight, you shouldn’t need to move the steering wheel after having the tracking done.
NickTheRaver
Member
Hi @G3GSB, as on my first post on this forum, I had my tracking done a couple of days ago when a new set of wheels were fitted and on picking up the van the steering wheel was out of sorts just like yours (except off to the left) so now my ABS/ESP and Stop/Start have all disabled themselves because the steering angle sensor now thinks I'm permanently slipping on ice. The garage that did the work fed me a load of crap about the new wheels being the wrong offset or size and were confusing the ABS sensors (they came direct from Wolfrace and were specifically for a T6!) and it was nothing to do with the fact they didn't have the wheel straight when they did the work. The OBD readout they got clearly stated there was an issue with the steering wheel sensor angle! "No, what that means is that the wheel doesn't sit properly against the hub" - I mean... reallly??!! 
I'll be taking it elsewhere to a garage that actually cares about the quality of their work.
Good luck getting it all straight as an arrow!
I'll be taking it elsewhere to a garage that actually cares about the quality of their work.
Good luck getting it all straight as an arrow!
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G3GSB
Member
Hi @NickTheRaver thanks for your post. Finally got it strait (ish) or as strait as its ever going to be. They had to track it numerous times and move the steering wheel one notch on the spline to get it descent. cost me another £100+ to get it right. Happy with the result and been driving it for a few moths now with no complaints.
cheers G3
cheers G3
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Couldn’t agree more. I had the same problem with my MFSW after Hunter alignment and took it straight back. Like you it was bugging the life out of me as the van came out the same as it went in, off centre steering wheel.
Take it back you spent good money to the job done right first time round.
My steering wheel has been off centre since I bought the van with 125 miles on the clock I will have to get in touch with the seller.
John.
John.
Gareth1
Member
How did you get on moving the wheel? I tried that once (at home) but it made it worse the other way. Quite a surprise given I only moved it one spline. I’ve also just had the tracking alignment done after fitting Bilstein B14s. Only minor adjustments made after clamping the wheel straight. Result is exactly the same, slight turn to the right. I’ve ended up accepting its down to the camber of the road.. Trying to now stop looking at other vans on the duel carriage way when I go past
Hi guys and girls,
Quick one, the steering wheel on my van is off centre. The van does not drift at all when when driving, tracking seems fine. Iys just really annoying. How do I get it centrall ?
Quick one, the steering wheel on my van is off centre. The van does not drift at all when when driving, tracking seems fine. Iys just really annoying. How do I get it centrall ?
Either take the wheel off and move it a spline or two to straighten it up (difficult) or adjust the tie rod ends equal amounts but opposite directions to bring the wheel straight again (difficult and may result in geometry being off)
Easiest way is to take the van to an alignment specialist and get them to do it (and get the alignment checked at the same time) may cost but final result will be right.
Easiest way is to take the van to an alignment specialist and get them to do it (and get the alignment checked at the same time) may cost but final result will be right.
Cheers for the help, will look at that getting it booked in next week
Hi,
I have the same issue, did u book it in with a VW dealer?
I had a new rear trailing arm fitted recently (under warranty thank heavens) due to uneven wear on the OSR tyre.
Prior to this my van had been steering ok after 4 wheel tracking in 2019 but after the repair and tracking I experienced the same - having to steer slightly to the right.
The alignment specialist was very patient, and said that he found VW's tracking tolerances were quite wide, so it could take 2 or 3 attempts to find the "sweet spot".
Gareth1
Member
So…. I bit the bullet this morning after watching the video Mike23864 posted. Happy to report after a quarter of a turn (both sides obviously) the steering is almost perfect. Not 100% sure yet as need a longer drive but the few miles I did I’d say I’m happy with it. Can’t believe how easy that was too. 10 mins per side even with a DTI gauge to check I was going the right way. Probably messed up my £58 4 wheel alignment now but rather buy tyres 2 weeks earlier if it means I have a straight steering wheel. Many many thanks Mike!!
Don’t get like me, it became an obsession. I’ve done 3000 miles since adjusting and no signs of abnormal tyre wear.
How far was yours off centre?
