Steering wheel turned a bit to the left when driving straight (328) | FerrariChat
Buy

Steering wheel turned a bit to the left when driving straight (328)

Discussion in '308/328' started by Mike328, Mar 17, 2007.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Mike328

    Mike328 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2002
    2,655
    Boulder, CO
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #1 Mike328, Mar 17, 2007
    Hi guys,

    Just noticed this on my drive today. When driving straight (on non-pitched roads), the steering wheel is slightly off center. I'd say it's about 10 degrees to the left. The car itself tracks straight.

    I just got new tires put on the car last month. I also recently had to take the steering wheel of to replace the litte "warning" lights in the car (i.e. the slowdown, fan speed, generator, parking lights indicator, etc. plastic tubular pieces on the "Fascia").

    What's going on here? I'm planning on getting the car aligned next week. Is it easy to adjust the steering wheel orientation itself during an alignment to make sure it's "centered" while the car is tracking straights?


    Thanks,

    --Mike
     
  2. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,288
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #2 Rifledriver, Mar 17, 2007
    On a good alignment rack it is very easy.
     
  3. PT 328

    PT 328 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    May 1, 2005
    4,017
    #3 PT 328, Mar 17, 2007
    Mike,

    Has the recall been performed on the suspension forks? Mine has yet to be done, I need to take it to the bay area ( closest dealer ). My independent mechanic noted it during my last service. He also stated that the when the forks are letting go the first thing you will notice is the steering wheel will be cockeyed. He stated the cause of the failure is mostly due to heavy breaking. Just a thought in addition to the obvious alignment.

    Dan
     
  4. Mike328

    Mike328 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2002
    2,655
    Boulder, CO
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #4 Mike328, Mar 17, 2007

    Suspension for recall, huh? What VINs did this recall affect? Mine's an 87, #73651.

    Thanks for the information. Other symptoms of suspension fork issues?
     
  5. Mike C

    Mike C F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Aug 3, 2002
    6,081
    Southeast USA
    Full Name:
    Mike Charness
    #5 Mike C, Mar 17, 2007
    Making the steering wheel straight when the car is otherwise aligned is generally done by adjusting at the tie rod ends.
     
  6. hardtop

    hardtop F1 World Champ

    Jan 31, 2002
    11,300
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Dave
    #6 hardtop, Mar 17, 2007
    Mike,
    There was a lower A-arm recall (#146) on cars up to 66711. Typically, an alignment shop will center the steering wheel during the procedure.

    Dave
     
  7. PT 328

    PT 328 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    May 1, 2005
    4,017
    #7 PT 328, Mar 17, 2007
    Dave,

    Thanks for posting that. I couldn't find my info for the recall.

    Dan
     
  8. gil308

    gil308 Formula 3

    Jun 22, 2004
    1,975
    Charleston, SC
    Full Name:
    Gil
    #8 gil308, Mar 18, 2007
    Does this affect 308's as well? It's a long drive to Atlanta just to straighten my steering wheel...what are the other negative affects?
     
  9. PT 328

    PT 328 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    May 1, 2005
    4,017
    #9 PT 328, Mar 18, 2007
    Loss of control of the vehicle. My mechanic thoroughly inspected my forks under an intense light looking for any cracks. He didn't notice any but recommended I get the recall done soon to avoid any problems. He stated you will first see the steering wheel uncentered then loss of control of vehicle. I was told to immediately to stop driving the vehicle if I note the steering wheel of center. I'm not sure about the recall affecting the 308 series.

    Dan
     
  10. hardtop

    hardtop F1 World Champ

    Jan 31, 2002
    11,300
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Dave
    #10 hardtop, Mar 18, 2007

    As far as I know it was 328's only. The parts are different. I had a couple of QV's and never heard or read anything about A arm problems.

    Dave
     
  11. Mike328

    Mike328 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2002
    2,655
    Boulder, CO
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #11 Mike328, Mar 18, 2007
    Hmm, interesting. Thanks for your notes.

    Now, I did both get new tires, and have the steering wheel off - so there may be outside factors.

    That said, my car is outside the VIN range for the suspension fork recall. Still, are there any noises or anything associated with this? Should I do a quick visual inspection?
     

Share This Page