Tracking Issue - steering wheel is never straight - Tracking diagrams included

[DarrylJ]

So basically - just took this to the local garage. They had it tracked in twice, the first time - it basically went back in it's original position. So had to track it again, they're saying the rear doesn't straighten or something. I kerbed my car and bent the passenger side front suspension arm when it had around 300-400 miles on the clock (it was replaced). It's now got 18k on.

Can someone shed light on this? I've attached the two before and after diagrams. So basically, my steering wheel is slightly off centre so to drive straight, you have to hold the wheel maybe 2-3cm to the right. Never been flagged up with Citroen when I've took it in with other issues.

Align1


Align attempt 2

[DaveB]

Are they centring the steering wheel when doing the tracking & adjusting both track rod ends to get the required settings? If that's not done the wheel can be off centre even if the equipment shows everything as correct.

[spinker]

When i`ve had cars laser tracked in the past they usually clamp the steering wheel straight before making any adjustments.

[maxi77]

Wheel not pointing straight ahead simply means it is on the shaft out of alignment assuming the tracking is right. I would suggest going to a specialist wheel aligner, not quickfit of course.

[cyclone]

So basically - just took this to the local garage. They had it tracked in twice, the first time - it basically went back in it's original position. So had to track it again, they're saying the rear doesn't straighten or something. I kerbed my car and bent the passenger side front suspension arm when it had around 300-400 miles on the clock (it was replaced). It's now got 18k on.

Can someone shed light on this? I've attached the two before and after diagrams. So basically, my steering wheel is slightly off centre so to drive straight, you have to hold the wheel maybe 2-3cm to the right. Never been flagged up with Citroen when I've took it in with other issues.

You have to hold it to the right actually applying pressure and steering or the wheel sits a bit to the right by itself when you are going straight?

It is an important difference and either way need to get to a competent wheel shop for an alignment. This kind of thing should Not be a problem to fix and that your local shop can't seem to get it says a lot about them.