Offset Steering Wheel

[scirocconorth]

Hello all.

1st post! I picked up my '09 Candy White Scirocco (2.0TSI) on Wednesday and so far I'm really pleased with it. I bought it from a VW Main Dealer and I have a question that I hope you lot can help with.

The steering wheel is offset. Quite a bit actually, so that it's slightly arkward to drive (because of the '10-to-2 grips'). The car steers fine, and doesn't appear to drift. The tyres look normal on all sides too?

...Any help is appriciated...

Looking forward to getting my cleaning kit out at the weekend!!

Cheers, Paul.

[Cuprabob]

It can be one of 2 things;

1. Someone has taken the steering wheel off and not bothered to put it back on in the same position.

2. Or the more likely, the tracking has been adjusted by just adjusting the length of the track rod on one side instead of clamping the steering wheel in the centre and adjusting both track rod lengths to achieve the correct toe in / toe out.

[RW1]

^^^

Steering wheel has an alignment mark with the column where it pops through. These must align. I suspect that is still the case and the steering gear has been adjusted without moving the wheel.

Job is the airbag off -- carefully. Steering wheel in the straight ahead direction. There is a spline head bolt to allow the steering wheel off in the centre of the steering column. Move the wheel to the nearest spline position for straight ahead. Re-fit the spline bolt at 30Nm + 90° further turn. Replace the airbag.

If the notch marks on the steering column and steering wheel plate align on removing the Airbag. From the description, re-alignment of the steering gear has been done in the past. ie. kerbing. Moving the wheel may not solve the problem of the car slightly "crabbing". ie, front and rear axle wheels do not perfect follow. 4 wheel alignment check would show this up.

C.

[scirocconorth]

Thanks for this.

I did have Cruise Contol fitted, is that a 'wheel-off' jobby?

Sounds like I'll take this back, or see if my local VW can do it under warranty - it's definately not right to have it like it is... It's only straight when I'm going round a bend!

Paul.

[RW1]

I did have Cruise Contol fitted, is that a 'wheel-off' jobby?

Yes, the steering wheel does have to come off. In which case you should find the alignment marks on the steering column and steering wheel plate under the Airbag will not be aligned. By putting the two marks together at 12 o'clock, I suspect it will come true as before the Cruise Control mod.

C.