Alignment mystery

[Huw Powell]

> I had my 88 80q aligned a few weeks ago after replacing the front ball  
> joints, tie rod ends and all 8 control arm bushings.  
>  
> Monday night found that my  
> steering wheel was now about 45 degrees off center. 

> Anyway, I did a quick check for the obvious underneath the car -- nothing  
> seems loose or shows signs of obvious shifting... and the car seems to  track ok 
> -- no noticeable pulling to one side or another.
>  
> Just wondering what could have caused this misalignment of the steering  
> wheel?  Has anyone had this experience before? 

Very wierd.  Considering that the wheel sis splined to the steering 
shaft, and the shaft splined (and flat spot bolt locked) to the rack, 
it's hard to imagine how it could "move."

Anyway, you might as well check to see if it is the wheel or the rack 
(or both) that are off center.  Turn the wheel lock to lock, counting 
turns.  Turn it back exactly half way. (this is easier on you and your 
tires if done with the front end up in the air)  A good alignment 
procedure will make this position "dead ahead," and also the steering 
wheel will be straight.

In other words, that good alignment tech starts off by centering the 
rack and attaching a lock to the steering wheel.  Tie rod lengths are 
then adjusted so that 'straight ahead' is at the center of the rack.

I would also do a second careful check of all the front end component 
attachments, perhaps while the FE is up in the air.  if you find 
nothing, heck, bring it back wher you had it aligned, with a smile, and 
explain to them the situation.

Oh, and here's a viable possibility.  Do you have any "friends" who know 
cars and had access to your keys?  It only takes a few minutes to pull 
the horn button, undo the nut, rotate the wheel on the splines, and 
close it back up.  Could just be a prank!

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/