Steering Wheel Replaced

[rmoconnor41]

We replaced a rather worn steering wheel with a nice one kindly donated by a friend.

we carefully worked through the process and the new wheel is fitted.

However the steering wheel obviously didn’t go back on straight, because to hold a straight line I have to steer very very slightly to the right.

Any thoughts on how to ensure it goes back on straight when we take it off tomorrow and refit?

Thanks

 

[Mint]

Make a mark on one of the splines on the column and a matching one on the wheel boss so you know where you are starting from. Then, undo the nut, lift the wheel off and turn the wheel one spline to the left. Replace the nut and see if it's ok. One spline may be too much as you say 'very, very slightly', if it's too much, it'll be a trip to the garage to get the tracking done.

 

[rmoconnor41]

Make a mark on one of the splines on the column and a matching one on the wheel boss so you know where you are starting from. Then, undo the nut, lift the wheel off and turn the wheel one spline to the left. Replace the nut and see if it's ok. One spline may be too much as you say 'very, very slightly', if it's too much, it'll be a trip to the garage to get the tracking done.

Thanks. Fun and games tomorrow and a spare steering wheel cluttering the house.

 

[t-tony]

The column on an E85 is already marked from the factory, only out by 1 spline will throw it out. If you have the marks aligned then it must’ve been out of line and adjusted (as Dave mentioned) previously.

Tony.

 

[rmoconnor41]

This is the old M steering wheel. I assume the notch is the centre.
The old wheel is very sticky and ready for someone who wants an M wheel to have refurbished.
Looks like old wheel has been off because of the yellow paint

The column on an E85 is already marked from the factory, only out by 1 spline will throw it out. If you have the marks aligned then it must’ve been out of line and adjusted (as Dave mentioned) previously.

Tony.

 

[t-tony]

That looks spot on so if you have the alignment adjusted all should be well.

Tony.

 

[rmoconnor41]

That looks spot on so if you have the alignment adjusted all should be well.

Tony.

That is the new one in place. Steers slightly left.

 

[SV8Predator]

If the car "Steers slightly left", then get a wheel alignment (tracking) done.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

If the car "Steers slightly left", then get a wheel alignment (tracking) done.

by someone competent. There's plenty out there that really shouldn't be doing that sort of job.

 

[137699]

Agreed - take to a proper wheel alignment centre - you will know when you're at the right place as they will ONLY do alignment, they will not be selling tyres, batteries, exhausts, brakes etc.

 

[rmoconnor41]

Agreed - take to a proper wheel alignment centre - you will know when you're at the right place as they will ONLY do alignment, they will not be selling tyres, batteries, exhausts, brakes etc.

Unfortunately the best you get here is Tyres and alignment.

 

[rmoconnor41]

by someone competent. There's plenty out there that really shouldn't be doing that sort of job.

No alignment only around here. Best is tyres and alignment

 

[DrWong]

I've aligned my front wheels a few times using the string and jack stand method and the results were far better (i.e. spot on) than previous experience with alignment places.

Might be worth considering, just takes a bit of time and patience to set the jack stands up and dial everything in properly.

 

[t-tony]

If you take your vehicle to a tracking "specialist" and when you leave the steering wheel is "off centre" take it straight back and demand it be put right. This, after all is what you have just paid for.
If I had mine done at work (for nowt) and it wasn't right it went back till.it was right.

Tony.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

If you take your vehicle to a tracking "specialist" and when you leave the steering wheel is "off centre" take it straight back and demand it be put right. This, after all is what you have just paid for.
If I had mine done at work (for nowt) and it wasn't right it went back till.it was right.

Tony.

And this is what I meant by "competent". There's plenty of f*ckwits around with fancy alignment gear and not a clue how it works.

 

[137699]

No alignment only around here. Best is tyres and alignment

Where is "here" exactly?

 

[rmoconnor41]

Where is "here" exactly?

SO32

 

[137699]

Ok you're very near me then? I'm also in SO32 - Bishops Waltham!
And therefore you are wrong about there being no local wheel alignment specialists - I use these guys down at Millbrook in Southampton - wheel alignment specialists and it's the ONLY thing they do:

 

[rmoconnor41]

Ok you're very near me then? I'm also in SO32 - Bishops Waltham!
And therefore you are wrong about there being no local wheel alignment specialists - I use these guys down at Millbrook in Southampton - wheel alignment specialists and it's the ONLY thing they do:

View attachment 272077

Thanks

 

[AntStark]

Ok you're very near me then? I'm also in SO32 - Bishops Waltham!
And therefore you are wrong about there being no local wheel alignment specialists - I use these guys down at Millbrook in Southampton - wheel alignment specialists and it's the ONLY thing they do:

View attachment 272077

That’s good to know ! I am another SO32er
Any recommendations for an air conditioning specialist?