Steering wheel points left when going straight

[cheekylemon]

Hi all.

I got some new tyres on Friday (225/45's) and I asked for the tracking to be done as my last tyre had worn through the metal mesh and popped.

Since then, when the car is going straight, the steering wheel points slightly to the left, and really bugs me. Is this normal, or should I take it back.

I took the car to kwikfit the day after and told them, and they adjusted it again for me, but its still the same.

Also, the car feels really weird on these new tyres, as if they are thinner. I would have thought it would feel more planted? Maybe its cox they are slightly smaller walls? Who knows, but any help with the steering wheel question would be greatly received. Cheers.

[Swatty]

This has come up on previous posts. They have taken the easy option and only adjusted one side to get the tracking in – adjustments should be made to both sides (can’t remember which post but I’m sure it was a comment from GSi3.2).

I would go back and ask to get it sorted

[cheekylemon]

Hmm OK thanks mate. I did watch them do both sides, but what it looks like they did, and what they actually did are two different things.

I'll have a search once I can work out what search terms to use lol.

[fenderguitar]

Also make sure the steering wheel is exactly dead centre when the're doing adjustments

[glynn]

just take the car back to the garage and get them to re-do it, as if it was along way out before it can be to much to get it back into line so it will need redoing hth

[Duncan]

Sounds like they've done the tracking without making sure the steering wheel was clamped in the dead-centre position. Take it back to them and get them to do it properly.

[cheekylemon]

Cheers guys, I had a read through the other threads as well, so will also try the car on a carpark to make sure its not the camber of the road affecting the wider tyres.

Cheers

[boba]

I was always taught that unless something's been replaced (or bent) you should just adjust both sides equally. No need to bother locking the wheel. Am I missing something?

[Gsi3.2]

you ALWAYS need to ensure that the whell is pointing straight ahead ( and apply the clamp) before beginning work underneath to adjust the tracking..

The fitter that did it is obviously a muppet....and never bothered setting up the inside first, just whacked the guages on and got his spanners out....

Either take it back, and get it done again .. BUT this time, check YOURSELF that the wheel is in the correct position and clamped before then checking his guages to see where it's set to....or take it elsewhere.. www.alignmycar.co.uk has the best UK centres going..

[cheekylemon]

Thanks mate, I am taking it to a centre at lunch time that was on the alignmycar website. If thats OK, then I will go back to kwikfit and ask for a refund.

Be interesting to see how that goes down!