Wheel alignment??

[dave_p]

Ok, you may have seen my thread regarding just having had the SMG steering wheel fitted.

My question to all of you is this - If you drive and keep the steering wheel dead centre, does your car go in a perfect straight line, or do you have to counter-steer slightly (left or right) to stay in a straight line?

I have obviously just had the steering wheel put on and am noticing that I have to counter-steer a couple of degrees clockwise to keep the car straight. Could, of course, be the slight camber of the road (I am driving on the left). Don't know yet, but just thought I would see what you guys say - Is there a tolerance in this? What would be acceptable. Perhaps a poll should be started??

Thanks.

[vinuneuro]

Are you sure you aligned the steering wheel properly when you installed it?

[dave_p]

Well, my local $tealer did the instal of the paddle shift wheel. When he took the car out for a test after fitting it, he came back and adjusted the steering wheel - he said it was way out. Now, I suppose it is very very slightly out maybe. I thought that you line the arrows up and that's it. So, is the wheel alignmnent out on my car. In other words, at the factory do they align the wheels to the steering wheel (after the arrows are lined up) or ignore the arrows and adjust the steering wheel to the wheels?

[RobC]

Originally Posted by dave_p

Ok, you may have seen my thread regarding just having had the SMG steering wheel fitted.

My question to all of you is this - If you drive and keep the steering wheel dead centre, does your car go in a perfect straight line, or do you have to counter-steer slightly (left or right) to stay in a straight line?

I have obviously just had the steering wheel put on and am noticing that I have to counter-steer a couple of degrees clockwise to keep the car straight. Could, of course, be the slight camber of the road (I am driving on the left). Don't know yet, but just thought I would see what you guys say - Is there a tolerance in this? What would be acceptable. Perhaps a poll should be started??

Thanks.

Dave
Mine does this and I've just had a complete "KDS" ?? alignment. I think this is normal.

[dave_p]

Originally Posted by RobC

Dave
Mine does this and I've just had a complete "KDS" ?? alignment. I think this is normal.

Thanks Rob,

It's probably normal.

[dcpnn]

Did you ever find out if it is acceptable to adjust the steering wheel to match tire alignment?

I just fitted an M wheel to my X5 and must turn the wheel slightly to the left to drive straight (doesn't pull). I JUST had an alignment so I know the front end is good.

Interestingly enough, when removing the standard sport wheel the notches on the wheel and the shaft were NOT lined up.

Any futher info on this?

[chefwong]

DCPNN - how did the car behave before the steering wheel swap ?
Placebo affect --- in addition to road crown effect .

Alignment wise, I have yet to bring my car to the dealer for a alignment. They generally average $175 ++.

I do tend to get the X aligned every spring though just to keep things in check after all the winter potholes. Local tuner runs me about $100 per alignment off a John Beam Visualiner rack.