DIY: Centering the steering wheel after getting an alignment easily!

Germanbato17 · 04-13-2018, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teaston

No need to centre the steering wheel. Just make sure whatever adjustment you make on one side make exactly the opposite adjustment on the other side!

Ok sounds good. Thanks!!

6ixSpd · 04-15-2018, 12:18 AM

Question: if my wheel tilts down to the left while tracking straight, which direction am I turning the driver's side tie rod (and thus the opposite for passenger side)?

teaston · 04-15-2018, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Question: if my wheel tilts down to the left while tracking straight, which direction am I turning the driver's side tie rod (and thus the opposite for passenger side)?

That means your wheels are pointing to the right, so on your LHD car you would loosen the drivers side and tighten the passengers

1 AKY · 05-16-2018, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teaston

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Question: if my wheel tilts down to the left while tracking straight, which direction am I turning the driver's side tie rod (and thus the opposite for passenger side)?

That means your wheels are pointing to the right, so on your LHD car you would loosen the drivers side and tighten the passengers

Why does it being a LHD car make a difference?

teaston · 05-16-2018, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1 AKY

Quote:

Originally Posted by teaston

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Question: if my wheel tilts down to the left while tracking straight, which direction am I turning the driver's side tie rod (and thus the opposite for passenger side)?

That means your wheels are pointing to the right, so on your LHD car you would loosen the drivers side and tighten the passengers

Why does it being a LHD car make a difference?

Because the driver-side is on the opposite side to a right-hand drive

1 AKY · 05-16-2018, 04:38 AM

Doh!

bluewater328 · 10-16-2018, 08:01 PM

Well, probably gonna tackle this. Wanted to confirm a few things...

Quote:

Originally Posted by nukezero

There is no damage to turning the tie rod when the wheels are not off the ground. In fact, that's what the power steering's job is. To overcome the forces of the weight of the car and make the wheels turn. Just don't yank the tie round too hard while rotating and you'll be golden.

Out of curiosity, what could happen or what are negative affects if you did yank the tie rod? Or does that just mean that you could extend the outer tierod off the threads too far?

Quote:

Originally Posted by german88

1. The car does not need to be on ramps. Access to the tie rods while the car sits flat on the ground with the wheels straight is no problem. Additionally you if you have access to a hoist there is nothing wrong with using it. Having the wheels in the air will have no negative effect.

So ramps/on the ground/2-post lift/drive on, there is no difference?

Quote:

Originally Posted by german88

3. Rotation of the tie rods (Clockwise driver / counter clockwise passenger = counter clockwise rotation of the steering wheel. Approx 1 full turn of each tie rods will yield approx 2-3 degrees of steering wheel rotation.

I'm assuming the clockwise/counterclockwise is from the perspective when you are FACING the outer tie-rod/wheel vs facing the subframe? ie. so counterclockwise is extending the tie rod farther (out of the outer tie rod; more threads showing).

Quote:

Originally Posted by teaston

No need to centre the steering wheel. Just make sure whatever adjustment you make on one side make exactly the opposite adjustment on the other side!

So drive up ramps or just drive into my driveway straight and leave the steering wheel crooked, and this process will correct the steering wheel while I'm working? So if my steering wheel is 6 degrees counterclockwise to go straight, I would extend the length of the (US) drivers (left) tierod and then shorten the length of the (US) passengers (right) side? And as suggested/estimated above, maybe two full turns?

teaston · 10-17-2018, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluewater328

Well, probably gonna tackle this. Wanted to confirm a few things...

Out of curiosity, what could happen or what are negative affects if you did yank the tie rod? Or does that just mean that you could extend the outer tierod off the threads too far?

So ramps/on the ground/2-post lift/drive on, there is no difference?

I'm assuming the clockwise/counterclockwise is from the perspective when you are FACING the outer tie-rod/wheel vs facing the subframe? ie. so counterclockwise is extending the tie rod farther (out of the outer tie rod; more threads showing).

So drive up ramps or just drive into my driveway straight and leave the steering wheel crooked, and this process will correct the steering wheel while I'm working? So if my steering wheel is 6 degrees counterclockwise to go straight, I would extend the length of the (US) drivers (left) tierod and then shorten the length of the (US) passengers (right) side? And as suggested/estimated above, maybe two full turns?

Yes it doesn’t matter how you leave the steering wheel, it doesn’t physically move the steering wheel while you’re working on it though obviously.

FairlyReliable · 10-22-2018, 12:10 PM

Nice DIY !

silverfox666 · 05-22-2019, 08:55 AM

I'm in the UK and have a right hand drive. My steering wheel is also off centre 'slightly to the right a couple of degrees' so can I follow the OP original solution or do I need to do the opposite as his is LHD? Confused!

teaston · 05-22-2019, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverfox666

I'm in the UK and have a right hand drive. My steering wheel is also off centre 'slightly to the right a couple of degrees' so can I follow the OP original solution or do I need to do the opposite as his is LHD? Confused!

It's the same mate, just make sure however many turns you do on one side you do exactly the same amount in the opposite direction on the other side!

themishmosh · 05-29-2019, 08:52 AM

Nice DIY.

I loosened the locking bolt. But even after spraying copious amounts of liquid wrench, the tie rod just will not rotate and i didn't want to round the flat surfaces. Was using a 13mm wrench. Any tips?

teaston · 05-29-2019, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by themishmosh

Nice DIY.

I loosened the locking bolt. But even after spraying copious amounts of liquid wrench, the tie rod just will not rotate and i didn't want to round the flat surfaces. Was using a 13mm wrench. Any tips?

It's probably seized then and will need heat to loosen it.

BPAC306 · 06-17-2019, 02:13 PM

sub

wrongmark · 09-24-2019, 08:05 AM

Thanks for this. In the past I've found myself taking the car back multiple times asking them to centre the steering wheel. They often look at you like you've got two heads.

In fairness, when I've watched them centre the wheel and lock it in place with a holder tool before making adjustments, they have to lean into the car to do it with their head tilted (i.e. not sat in the seat). Presumably this is why they often get it a bit wrong.

MightyMouseTech · 09-24-2019, 09:17 AM

BTW, use this same procedure when fine tuning alignments. 1/4 turn is quite a bit though, your wheel must have been really off. I will usually just adjust 1 wrench flat at a time, so 1/6 of a turn.

gnolivos · 03-08-2021, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

BTW, use this same procedure when fine tuning alignments. 1/4 turn is quite a bit though, your wheel must have been really off. I will usually just adjust 1 wrench flat at a time, so 1/6 of a turn.

Yes I'm reviving this old thread. It it's relevant and why create a new one?

I'm trying to apply this to my f30 and from what I can tell the rod ends are identical.

The issue I am having is that I have loosened the locking bolt an now trying to turn the rod.... it is impossible! It must be seized I guess. Any tips?

MightyMouseTech · 03-08-2021, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnolivos

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

BTW, use this same procedure when fine tuning alignments. 1/4 turn is quite a bit though, your wheel must have been really off. I will usually just adjust 1 wrench flat at a time, so 1/6 of a turn.

Yes I'm reviving this old thread. It it's relevant and why create a new one?

I'm trying to apply this to my f30 and from what I can tell the rod ends are identical.

The issue I am having is that I have loosened the locking bolt an now trying to turn the rod.... it is impossible! It must be seized I guess. Any tips?

Well, we will heat them with torches till they are a dull red and quench with water to free them up.

biomed27 · 10-24-2021, 02:37 AM

Hello, my locking nuts are a bit banged up and I’d like to replace them. Anything I should watch out for before removing the lock nut completely to replace it. The guide states to just loosen it so I don’t know if removing it completely causes any issues with the tie rod clamp. Thank you

setterlee · 11-19-2021, 07:04 AM

nukezero if you still are over here, let me thank you because, today (9 years after you start this thread) you brought peace to my mind ... hahahaha

Yesterday I took my car to get an alignment and the steering wheel was on the left, today I took the car to the shop again and they re-adjusted the position steering wheel and I felt like still was on the left ... I started to think : I reached the point of madness where just me understand to me ??? and your thread come to say me a strong NO .... hahaha I will to adjust my POS by me own.

gnolivos · 11-19-2021, 10:39 AM

I just did this to my Honda CR-V and fixed it in 45 minutes after 2 adjustments. Wonderful.

POBEP · 12-12-2021, 12:42 AM

nice DIY, thanks!

My steering wheel was off after alignment as well.

I choose to go another route - went back to the shop and demanded to fix it.

I got all kinds of excuses, but eventually owner realized that I am not going anywhere until it is fixed

04-15-2018, 12:18 AM	#46
6ixSpd Save the manuals! 6012 Rep 6,740 Posts Drives: '16 M3, '23 718 Spyder Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 416 iTrader: (4)	Question: if my wheel tilts down to the left while tracking straight, which direction am I turning the driver's side tie rod (and thus the opposite for passenger side)? __________________ '16 M3 \| '23 718 Spyder Past: E92 M3, F87 M2, E39 M5, etc
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-16-2018, 04:38 AM	#50
1 AKY Major 459 Rep 1,409 Posts Drives: F11 530d Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (1)	Doh!
	Appreciate 1 teaston10993.50 Quote

10-22-2018, 12:10 PM	#53
FairlyReliable Enlisted Member 0 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2011 335XI Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Nice DIY ! __________________ 2011 335xi -JB4/MHD/Purestage 2 Turbo/BMS Intake/VRSF Charge Pipe/BMS Meth/Catless/Fuel It stage 2/VFRS 7inch FMIC/N20 Flex Fuel Dyno'd at 475Awhp/473tq
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-22-2019, 08:55 AM	#54
silverfox666 Private 17 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 530d Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 530d M Sport [10.00]	I'm in the UK and have a right hand drive. My steering wheel is also off centre 'slightly to the right a couple of degrees' so can I follow the OP original solution or do I need to do the opposite as his is LHD? Confused! __________________ F10 LCI 530d - Full M Performance carbon fiber kit - Mineral Grey - H/K Stereo - Pro Nav - 20" 464M wheels
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2019, 08:52 AM	#56
themishmosh First Lieutenant 36 Rep 372 Posts Drives: BMW X1 xDrive35i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Nice DIY. I loosened the locking bolt. But even after spraying copious amounts of liquid wrench, the tie rod just will not rotate and i didn't want to round the flat surfaces. Was using a 13mm wrench. Any tips? __________________ X1 35i, H&R springs, Bilstein HD shocks, BMS JB4, BMS chargepipe, xHP trans flash
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-17-2019, 02:13 PM	#58
BPAC306 Second Lieutenant 89 Rep 246 Posts Drives: M240I X Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	sub __________________ M240i xdrive - K&N Drop in, MPE 12.3 @ 108 Stock
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2019, 08:05 AM	#59
wrongmark Second Lieutenant 98 Rep 256 Posts Drives: E90 320i, F31 328i Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: South Yorkshire iTrader: (0)	Thanks for this. In the past I've found myself taking the car back multiple times asking them to centre the steering wheel. They often look at you like you've got two heads. In fairness, when I've watched them centre the wheel and lock it in place with a holder tool before making adjustments, they have to lean into the car to do it with their head tilted (i.e. not sat in the seat). Presumably this is why they often get it a bit wrong.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2019, 09:17 AM	#60
MightyMouseTech Major General 4338 Rep 6,196 Posts Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	BTW, use this same procedure when fine tuning alignments. 1/4 turn is quite a bit though, your wheel must have been really off. I will usually just adjust 1 wrench flat at a time, so 1/6 of a turn.
	Appreciate 1 e90yyc2424.00 Quote

10-24-2021, 02:37 AM	#63
biomed27 Lieutenant 41 Rep 540 Posts Drives: f30 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: usa iTrader: (2)	Hello, my locking nuts are a bit banged up and I’d like to replace them. Anything I should watch out for before removing the lock nut completely to replace it. The guide states to just loosen it so I don’t know if removing it completely causes any issues with the tie rod clamp. Thank you
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-19-2021, 07:04 AM	#64
setterlee New Member 2 Rep 15 Posts Drives: BMW E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Chile iTrader: (0)	nukezero if you still are over here, let me thank you because, today (9 years after you start this thread) you brought peace to my mind ... hahahaha Yesterday I took my car to get an alignment and the steering wheel was on the left, today I took the car to the shop again and they re-adjusted the position steering wheel and I felt like still was on the left ... I started to think : I reached the point of madness where just me understand to me ??? and your thread come to say me a strong NO .... hahaha I will to adjust my POS by me own.
	Appreciate 1 gnolivos316.00 Quote

11-19-2021, 10:39 AM	#65
gnolivos Captain 316 Rep 691 Posts Drives: Various BMW Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: US iTrader: (0)	I just did this to my Honda CR-V and fixed it in 45 minutes after 2 adjustments. Wonderful. __________________ Bimmercode best coding options (Basic and Advanced): https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...5#post29807925
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-12-2021, 12:42 AM	#66
POBEP Lieutenant 361 Rep 552 Posts Drives: E70 E90 E91 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Christmas Valley, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E90 335d [9.33] 2013 E70 xDrive35d [5.00] 2009 E91 328i [10.00] 2016 F25 xDrive28d [0.00]	nice DIY, thanks! My steering wheel was off after alignment as well. I choose to go another route - went back to the shop and demanded to fix it. I got all kinds of excuses, but eventually owner realized that I am not going anywhere until it is fixed
	Appreciate 0 Quote