Steering wheel not straight, but car drives straight?

**Danny.surname** · 10th July 2012, 21:31

Hi all,

I hope I am posting in the correct section (as I am new)..

I have recently purchased a Vectra C SXI CDTI.. I am really loving the car, however it has a few niggles that I would like to fix..

In this section I would like some help with the steering wheel, the car drives straight, with no pulling or wobbles, however the wheel is not straight whilst moving straight? (if that makes sense?)

Hope you can offer some advice..

Danny

**Critch** · 10th July 2012, 21:51

Need to check the track rods are adjusted evenly. You'll probably find some lazy mechanic had only adjusted tracking on one wheel.

**Danny.surname** · 10th July 2012, 21:59

Ahhh ok, apologise for my lack of knowledge... does that mean I should book it in to get the tracking done?

**Critch** · 10th July 2012, 22:14

Probably best mate yes.

a full geometry check is best tho.

Visit align my car.co.uk to find nearest place with hunter machine

**Danny.surname** · 10th July 2012, 22:18

Ahh excellent just looked on the site, and there is a garage 5 minutes round the corner!
Thanks again..!

**m8internet** · 10th July 2012, 22:21

You have two choices

The expensive four wheel alignment (between £60 and £100), typically using Hunters equipment
This is best carried out with new tyres and during the first few weeks of ownership
It is also essential to make sure the suspension and steering is in good condition, even play is unacceptable

The cheaper front wheel alignment only (between free and £30), typically using SuperTracker
This is best carried out after the above, in order to check the alignment has not changed dramatically

As above, a cheats method to obtain wheel alignment is to adjust one track rod only
This results in the steering wheel becoming off-centre
Some owners will accept this, others won't
Equally, it could also be a sign that the other track rod has seized, and needs replacing

Personally, get three quotes for Front Wheel Alignment
They should advise it is free to check, but if an adjustment is required there is a fee (amount)
I suspect they will find one track rod is seized
Initially they should heat it, but this doesn't always work, and the only solution is to replace
I would recommend if this is the outcome that both track rods are replaced
They aren't too expensive, and the garage should be able to fit them as well
However, as with all VX parts, buy them at the dealership yourself as all too often the wrong parts arrive!

**alcutler** · 11th July 2012, 07:29

Just have your front wheels aligned - I would free the adjusting nuts off and retighten them before I go - and stress that you want the steering wheel in the straight ahead position - most experienced mechanics will know this and look at you gone out but if you get the YTS lad...... and if it isn't right you have pre warned them that you will be back.

**Danny.surname** · 11th July 2012, 18:12

Appreciate comments above. Very helpful..!
I am off for 2 weeks soon, so will get down the garage, and also get my tools out to have a go at a few jobs myself!

Will no doubt be back on here for further questions!