Why is my steering wheel off center?

[1Frothy]

I noticed that it seemed to have been getting worse and worse, now if I'm on a straight and level road and driving straight; the steering wheel is off center. :/ I've had my wheels balanced and an alignment done by a reputable company.

Should I worry about this? It's a car from 2004, so its not very old.

[gdodson]

My mother's car does the same thing. I'm assuming that yours is FWD. If your steering wheel is to the left while driving, turn it hard to the left and get on the gas hard (starting from a stop). See if that corrects (or over-corrects) the problem. The problem is most likely related to torque-steer, but I don't know why it stays off-center.

[Whiffle]

Its off center because whoever aligned it didn't bother to center it, or you have some loose/worn parts up there that are causing it to get worse. I'd take it in and have it checked out.

[1Frothy]

My mother's car does the same thing. I'm assuming that yours is FWD. If your steering wheel is to the left while driving, turn it hard to the left and get on the gas hard (starting from a stop). See if that corrects (or over-corrects) the problem. The problem is most likely related to torque-steer, but I don't know why it stays off-center.

That sounds like fun, I'm going to try it! I hope nothing breaks.

Its off center because whoever aligned it didn't bother to center it, or you have some loose/worn parts up there that are causing it to get worse. I'd take it in and have it checked out.

I'm going to do that too, but first I just got to try gdodson's suggestion. :/

[crazzy88ss]

torque steer is not the problem. Did you hit anything? My dad recently unaligned the steering wheel on his 04 325 when he accidentally hit a curb.

[goodcase]

It could be other things then alignment that causes the steering wheel to be off center. The right ball joint on my moms car was worn which was causing the steering wheel to be off center by quite a bit; after replacing the ball joint the problem was fixed

[OrangesOfCourse]

I would say that this is an alignment issue. I had the same problem and a good alignment cured the issue. If you are driving on a flat, straight road and your car starts to veer to the right/left within 7-8 seconds then you need an alignment. I say this because your car is so new and I'm guessing that you didn't get in any major accidents.

[spacey]

where do you get it serviced? can you take it to the dealership?

i had some wheel alignment issues after installing my winter tires. took it back the dealership and they fixed it in like 20 mins.

also make sure the air pressure is consistent among all your tires.

[strekship]

If your tires are worn irregularly on one side of the car, that can cause your steering problem.

[1Frothy]

I had new tires fitted not long ago. So I don't think it's a worn tire problem.

It's just annoying having to take the car back in for a service since I'm always so busy, still, if it doesn't get fixed it could get even worse perhaps. :/

Thanks for everyones suggestions. (Y)

[John S. Veteran]

I'd definitely have it looked at, you may have something more serious than just an off-center steering wheel.

[Glowstick]

My mother's car does the same thing. I'm assuming that yours is FWD. If your steering wheel is to the left while driving, turn it hard to the left and get on the gas hard (starting from a stop). See if that corrects (or over-corrects) the problem. The problem is most likely related to torque-steer, but I don't know why it stays off-center.

That's a great idea. I'm sure the drive shafts are going to like this. Do you also open your breakfast eggs with a hammer?

[Joel]

Check your tire pressure also, when the tires are cold (and often if the outside temp goes up and down a lot; even a few degrees can cause your PSI to drop or rise). The correct pressure for your tires should be on the sticker in the driver's side doorframe.

[gdodson]

That's a great idea. I'm sure the drive shafts are going to like this. Do you also open your breakfast eggs with a hammer?

Well we've taken it to a few different dealers and my dad is an ASE certified mechanic, but nobody can figure what is causing the problem. It goes off center to either side depending on the direction you have the wheel turned when accelerating. I didn't tell the OP to do it repeatedly, so unless his driveshafts are made of wood or he's putting a lot more than stock power down, nothing bad is going to happen to them. I was just wondering if his problem is due to an off-center alignment or if it's similar to my mother's car's problem.

[MiG-]

I had new tires fitted not long ago. So I don't think it's a worn tire problem.

It's just annoying having to take the car back in for a service since I'm always so busy, still, if it doesn't get fixed it could get even worse perhaps. :/

Thanks for everyones suggestions. (Y)

Bent suspension leg? Like smashing into curbs with your car?

[sn00pie]

i would suggest alignment but you've done that already, sounds like a minor issue to me though, dunno what it is though :(

[Glowstick]

Well we've taken it to a few different dealers and my dad is an ASE certified mechanic, but nobody can figure what is causing the problem. It goes off center to either side depending on the direction you have the wheel turned when accelerating. I didn't tell the OP to do it repeatedly, so unless his driveshafts are made of wood or he's putting a lot more than stock power down, nothing bad is going to happen to them. I was just wondering if his problem is due to an off-center alignment or if it's similar to my mother's car's problem.

I was more concerned about the joints on the driveshaft. Which is a part of it. At least in Belgian terminology.

[1Frothy]

So it could be something serious. :/ Ok well the car is booked in for a Friday morning inspection, it's going to be looked at free of charge since the car is still under warranty from Ford.

[benplace]

Warn tires will also cause this, how is the tread on ur tires? Are they all even or is one wore more then the others?

[1Frothy]

Warn tires will also cause this, how is the tread on ur tires? Are they all even or is one wore more then the others?

The tread is very even, I just got the tires replace a week ago.

[1Frothy]

Well now, interesting. Ford said there was a problem or part that they needed to replace (they didn't say what and wouldn't really say either), but it was covered by warranty and so fixed at no charge to me.

[Tizzel]

Hey guys I'm a wheel aligner for Bobjane T-Marts wollongong nsw Australia and have been running into this problem a bit lately and I have found why after you have completed alignment the steering wheel is down to the left or right. Attempts to re-do your alignment nothing has changed! 

 

I have found that the steering rack it's self isn't straight. Maybe wrong aftermarket parts have been used and not genuine parts and only one side has been replaced not both! 

 

So I've knocked out both the tie rods joints, turned back the tie rod nuts as far as they can go then the same with the tie rods joints. Make sure steering wheel lock is on and do even numbers of turns to bot tie rod joints till you can slide the joints back in. Put back on the alignment and you should be able to have made the wheels and rack straight, ajust and problem fixed. 

 

Remember the rack isn't straight so if you don't do that you won't fix the down to the right or left problem. 

 

[Peresvet]

Holy batman thread resurrection!