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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > Crooked Steering Wheel?
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      03-19-2019, 12:11 PM   #1
JoeyMcMahon101
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Crooked Steering Wheel?

Why does it seem no matter where I go. These alignments places NEVER can correctly align the steering wheel perfectly. I literally dread getting an alignment done because of it. My mechanic said the steering wheel lock they had is bad, and I'm the second person to complain about it. So when they get a new one they will straighten the steering wheel out. But I'm curious, as with my last BMW I had to re-do the wheel alignment 2x and the tech said the machine sometimes isn't 100% accurate. Why does this happen? Do I just keep making them re-do it until it is perfect? I mean after all I'm still paying for it but seriously, why is straightening the steering wheel nearly so impossible during a wheel alignment...
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      03-19-2019, 12:17 PM   #2
skyline408
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I can tell you what I do. Loosen tie rod ends and adjust equal turns the opposite direction of where your steering wheel is cocked. For example, if the wheel is slightly pointing to the left , but all alignment numbers are straight and good, you can adjust tie rods equal turns to slightly point drive wheels to the right. That will straighten the steering wheel while retaining your alignment.

I've done this with all my cars if the alignment shop can't get the steering wheel straight.
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      03-19-2019, 12:53 PM   #3
xtremeyolks
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If they allow it, sit in the car holding the wheel straight while they perform the alignment. Then if the wheel is still crooked it's your own fault lol
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      03-19-2019, 04:33 PM   #4
kingmonkey8
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I think its the way they do it. They normally adjust the tracking whilst the tyre is in contact with the ground, so there always is some sideways resistance/load on the tyre. Also the steering wheel needs to be dead centre.
I had a Honda CRX years ago and when they did the tracking on that, they puts some metal discs under the wheels so the tyres were not in direct contact with the ground. This allows some movement and gets rid of the resistance/load.
When they did it like that the tracking was straight.

Last edited by kingmonkey8; 03-19-2019 at 04:41 PM..
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