Volvo S60 - Tracking True - Steering Wheel Out

[V360glb200k]

Back after a long stint off the forum, now with my 3rd S60. A D5 this time...

Just picked up the car. The car drives true and the alignment of the wheels seems spot on. Trouble is, the steering wheel is 10-15 degrees out to the right when driving straight ahead. My OCD just cannot handle it!

Do I:
a) Remove the steering wheel and realign on its hub as the tracking seems bob on.

Or

b) Get the car tracked again and in doing this should re-center the wheel. Assuming there is enough adjustment on the steering arms.

Discuss...
Cheers

[CricketyJimin]

Get it tracked again - when it's done properly they should center the steering wheel first, and then make adjustments at the road wheels.

[stuart bowes]

Originally Posted by V360glb200k

Assuming there is enough adjustment on the steering arms

this is the thing that would have me wondering.. only way to know is get an alignment done and find out if there's some deeper issue

who knows maybe someone changed the steering wheel and did a wonky job of it

OR maybe someone did a half-arsed alignment without centering it first

either way worth getting a good readout and checking everything over

obviously if you do take the steering wheel off, take precautions re: air bag

[Lancee]

Get it tracked again.

[eagle58]

Originally Posted by Lancee

Get it tracked again.

I had the same problem with my C70 when I got it so I took it to Kwik Fit, (I know!), to get the tracking done.

I paid something like £70/£80 but despite their assurances that the tracking had been adjusted, the steering wheel was still off-centre when driving straight.

I took it to a Volvo specialist to have them look at it and they said it couldn't have been touched due to the components being rusted into place and sent me a video as they fixed it using heat and brute force!

I complained to Kwik Fit's CEO using the video and got an apology and my money back but it showed me that if it ain't fixed, the work ain't been done!

[stuart bowes]

That is simultaneously both shocking and not at all surprising..
I stopped using them years ago when I found I was constantly having to show them how to use a jack properly (I.e actually finding a correct jacking point) which was tiresome

Also I recall one 'expert' dismissing one of my BM 6pots as a 'rubbish engine' although he never clarified what he was basing that ludicrous statement on. It was a 2.5 not the big 3ltr but.. what?

[V70Zig]

I have never had any issue with tracking at my local Kwik Fit, but have at other companies.

My thoughts are it's down to the people and the experience they have in doing the job right.

So once you find one.....stick to them till they change staff and get it wrong.

[Willber]

Dont know if youve had inner tie rods replaced ever? There are two types and they are different lengths. Mine had the wrong ones fitted so didn't have enough adjustment.

[barrybritcher]

adjusting the wheel isnt as scary as people make out. probably had a replacement wheel and or airbag and they didnt lock it centrally before removing it

[VOLVOBOY]

Hi.

OP . As you`ve just got the car car you don`t know its history ie, what has been changed / buggered about with etc .
The starting point is that the steering rack is centred . What i would do is to start the engine and turn the steering lock to lock and find the mid position.
If the steering wheel is in the correct position then the problem is in the track rod ends and their adjustment.
If the steering rack is correct but the steering wheel is out of position then the problem is in the column u/j`s and / or the steering wheel fitment . Start with the u/j`s then the steering wheel .The clock-spring will most likely need re-calibrating .
DISCONNECT BATTERY + WAIT 10 MINS BEFORE GOING NEAR THE AIRBAG.
If the column u/j`s are disconnected don`t rotate the steering wheel as it will ruin the clock-spring . Keep the steering lock on .