Ask an expert

I recently put my 1999 VW Passat in for a wheel alignment check.

It was returned with wheel alignment being noted as OK but cross on steering wheel is 10-15degrees out from the centre position when the car is tracking straight ahead.

The wheel aligner says this issue cannot be fixed.

Is this correct?

Lionel

From the "Ask Jack" archive - 23 April 2010

When the vehicle was new you can guarantee the steering wheel was fitted in the straight ahead position so there is something wrong with the steering geometry somewhere.

Unequal length steering rack ends for example (the adjustable ends of the steering rack which connect to the front hubs) could create this problem, but it should have been one of the first things checked in my opinion.

The fact you have been told there is no fix is also a worry. I'm surprised they didn't give you some possible reasons as to why this has happened.

One possibility is the steering wheel has been removed for some reason and has not been refitted back in the straight ahead position. This can be a very delicate job that some repairers may not want to get involved in as the airbag connection can be damaged if the correct procedures are not followed.

The other possibilities are; the rear suspension alignment is out of specification or the vehicle has been in an accident and there are some structural issues.

This type of work is very specialised. Having the alignment checked at a tyre store or local garage is OK but for steering issues such as you are describing, go to an expert. Or take the vehicle to the local VW agent.