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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > General E90 Sedan / E91 Wagon / E92 Coupe / E93 Cabrio > Can I fix steering wheel myself?



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      02-26-2006, 12:06 PM   #1
uno
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Can I fix steering wheel myself?

My car goes to the right when the steering wheel is in the center
position. And then if I want it to go straight, I need to slight move
the steering toward left.
Is this kind of problem related to the alignment?
If not, can I take off the steering wheel and center it myself?

From http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13419
it looks that the dealer should re-center the steering wheel even with
doing an alignment.

I have put 1800 miles now and it is within 2000-mile free alignment.
If the dealer fixed it, but later I found the problem was still there and
it was over 2000 miles, will the dealer fix it again for free?

Appreciate your input.
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      02-26-2006, 12:09 PM   #2
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Its not an alignment issue its the wheel that shouldve been cenetered during PDI.
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      02-26-2006, 12:15 PM   #3
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Is your car new ... ?


That should answer what you should do with it.
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      02-26-2006, 04:35 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by uno
....
If not, can I take off the steering wheel and center it myself?
....
Don't attempt to do this yourself. It would involve messing with the airbag which is NOT a good thing for an amateur to do!. Its probably also the wrong repair.

Quote:
Originally Posted by uno
...
I have put 1800 miles now and it is within 2000-mile free alignment.
If the dealer fixed it, but later I found the problem was still there and
it was over 2000 miles, will the dealer fix it again for free?
....
If it was OK when you drove away from the free re-alignment(and I guess for a short while afterwards), then I'd have to say that the dealer has no responsibility to do this if it re-occurs, as it is lkely to be due to rough treatment such as potholes, too fast over traffic calming measures, or kerbing the wheels.

If it is not centered immediately after a "re-alignment" then the dealer has been sloppy and not clamped the wheel perfectly straight before adusting the alignment.
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      02-26-2006, 07:21 PM   #5
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If you don't have to correct the steering wheel constantly while driving, it's most likely not an alignment issue. It might be the wheel was not installed centered.

If you are a DIYer, taking the wheel off and centering isn't hard at all. Disconnect battery for 20min, then 2 screws and 1 nut. Use a sharpie marker make a mark before you get it off, so you know how much to turn it. Refitting is the reverse.

It's not a hard DIY, but if you've never worked on your car before, I'd suggest you to take it to the dealer. You shouldn't be charged anything IMO.
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      02-26-2006, 10:34 PM   #6
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Thanks a lot.

By the way, why do I need to disconnect the battery?
Will airbag come out without doing that?
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      02-27-2006, 01:28 AM   #7
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If you don't disconnect the battery, you are more than likely to get a SRS warning light. And the airbag could explode in your face. I don't encourage you DIY it, just take it to the dealer. Call your service advisor to make sure they would not charge you, because it should be under warranty.
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      02-27-2006, 10:53 AM   #8
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I see.
Thanks a lot.
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      07-30-2006, 02:14 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by maq
If you don't have to correct the steering wheel constantly while driving, it's most likely not an alignment issue. It might be the wheel was not installed centered.

If you are a DIYer, taking the wheel off and centering isn't hard at all. Disconnect battery for 20min, then 2 screws and 1 nut. Use a sharpie marker make a mark before you get it off, so you know how much to turn it. Refitting is the reverse.

It's not a hard DIY, but if you've never worked on your car before, I'd suggest you to take it to the dealer. You shouldn't be charged anything IMO.
Is this accurate?
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      07-30-2006, 02:22 AM   #10
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seriously, no offense to you, but if you dind't know why you need to disconnect the battery 'cuz the airbag may explode in your face, you souldn't attempt this, take it to your dealership pls, we don't need a defaced E90poster
good luck

Quote:
Originally Posted by uno
I see.
Thanks a lot.
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      07-30-2006, 08:21 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by maq
If you don't have to correct the steering wheel constantly while driving, it's most likely not an alignment issue. It might be the wheel was not installed centered.

If you are a DIYer, taking the wheel off and centering isn't hard at all. Disconnect battery for 20min, then 2 screws and 1 nut. Use a sharpie marker make a mark before you get it off, so you know how much to turn it. Refitting is the reverse.

It's not a hard DIY, but if you've never worked on your car before, I'd suggest you to take it to the dealer. You shouldn't be charged anything IMO.


You cant do this. There is only one way to put the wheel on. It has special grooves on the column and wheel that only allow you to put it on one way...
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      07-30-2006, 08:21 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZuerstBMW
Is this accurate?

no
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      07-30-2006, 01:53 PM   #13
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So it is an alignment issue? thanks.
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