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Steering WHeel Slightly Misaligned
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zudecke
New User
Jun 16, 2010, 4:01 AM
Post #1 of 4
(3420 views)
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Steering WHeel Slightly Misaligned
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Year of vehicle: 2002
Make of vehicle: BMW Mini Cooper (Auto)
Model of vehicle: Hatchback
Engine size: 1.6 (Petrol)
Mileage/Kilometers: 37k
Hi,
My Mini 2002 has a slight niggling problem in that the steering wheel sits slightly misaligned at about 11.55, as opposed to 12.00 o'clock.
BMW told me that the steering wheel may need to be repositioned and quoted me something like £250.
I have since spoken to independent mechanics/garages and I've got the following responses:
"Could be one of a number of different issues, such as a bent tie rod, wishbone, tracking or incorrect fitting of steering wheel following an incident etc"
And the other is from a garage with dedicated laser alignment bays and they said:
"Should be £29.37 including vat, unless it needs anything more major then you could be looking at £29.37 per camber or caster adjustment."
My question is, what is my worst case scenario? I want to have knowledge of the possible problems that it could be, before walking into a mechanics, blindfolded and potentially getting conned.
Help appreciated, thanks!
Nick
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zmame
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jun 16, 2010, 8:21 AM
Post #2 of 4
(3411 views)
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Re: Steering WHeel Slightly Misaligned
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You have to bring it in for a 4 wheel alignment $250 seems high. When they do alignment they will check front end. More then likely you've hit something.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 19, 2010, 8:03 AM
Post #3 of 4
(3395 views)
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Re: Steering WHeel Slightly Misaligned
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zmame - £250 = Pounds! Last look a while ago that's about 1.5xUS Dollar!
Nick - a slight bit off is still wrong. If nobody has removed steering wheel or steering parts then first check you tires and pressure.
Different tires on front could do that easily.
Basic alignment should include "centering" the wheel on level road. On highly pitched roads any cars would require some adjustment.
If front end parts are all in order, car sits equally level left to right they wheel should be 12 O'clock on level road.
Doesn't take much to throw that off that little. Even just one person vs two equally in vehicle can make that small amount especially in a small car,
T
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Sidom
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/ Moderator
Jun 19, 2010, 7:00 PM
Post #4 of 4
(3384 views)
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Re: Steering WHeel Slightly Misaligned
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I'm just curious if the car has hit something or been in a wreck? As Tom & Z pointed out the suspension does need to be checked 1st and any competent shop will do that.
If nothing has happened to the car and this just started on it's own, one thing did come to mind.
You mentioned "niggling". I'm not sure what you meant exactly but we'll see if this fits. When a tire gets a slight seperation a few things can go on. One, when driving at slow speeds the steering wheel will "rock" back & forth and usually won't be as noticeable at higher speeds. Also you can get a slight pull to one direction or the other. What happens is, while you're driving down the road you have to "cock" the steering wheel to the opposite side to compensate for the pull to make the car go straight..That could account for the wheel being off, if not it could be recentered during the alignment.
We can't see the car online so what the shop tells you is the problem would override this advise. While there are a few bad apples out there like anything in life, in the automotive world, the majority of the shops are honest & hard working.
Knowledge of systems isn't required to get your car repaired. It's not a bad idea because then what they are telling will make more sense.
(This post was edited by Sidom on Jun 19, 2010, 7:02 PM)
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