Steering Wheel off by 5 degrees

[markdav]

My steering whell needs to be 5 degrees right for the car to be going straight. The steering wheel rests in the position (e.g. I don't have the steer to keep the car straight).

I only noticed it in the last 2 weeks and don't recall any speed bump / pot hole incidents.

What should I look for first?

Thanks, Mark.

2000, 2.7, Manual, US model, 58K miles.

[markdav]

Bumping this up in the hope someone can point me to some possible culprits.

Steering wheel is about 5-10 degrees clockwise from straight. It drives straight with hands off the wheel.

2000 Boxster 2.7. 60K on the clock. Tires at correct pressure and with 15K on them.

Thanks, MArk.

[kbrandsma]

Is it possible that a previous owner had the steering wheel off and re-installed incorrectly? Do you have the OBC (on-board computer) turned on and a fourth stalk to operate it. When you add the OBC you have to remove the steering wheel. Just a thought.

[RFM]

Fill up the fuel tank and (let) check the alignment, the car is probably out of alignment.

[blue2000s]

Fill up the fuel tank and (let) check the alignment, the car is probably out of alignment.

Agreed. Take it in for an alignment and make sure they staighten the steerimg wheel at the same time. How is your tire wear?

Edited January 11, 2009 by blue2000s

[JP Rodkey]

To directly answer your question: check tire air pressures. One low tire will often first be indicated exactly as you describe.

If that doesn't do it, time for an alignment most likely.

[markdav]

Thanks for the replies.

I have owned the car since new (9th birthday in 1 month ...) No steering removal. Tires changed 2 years ago. Pressures ok. Also fill up tank to full each time.

Stupid question : how does the steering get out of alignment? Do the adjustment nuts get loose? This has happened in the last 6 months so wondering what might have gone off...

Thanks, Mark.

[Beelzy]

Pop the hood and check the mounting points for the struts and sway bars. Maybe you blew a bushing or two, the car is old enough for that to occur.

[JP Rodkey]

Thanks for the replies.

I have owned the car since new (9th birthday in 1 month ...) No steering removal. Tires changed 2 years ago. Pressures ok. Also fill up tank to full each time.

Stupid question : how does the steering get out of alignment? Do the adjustment nuts get loose? This has happened in the last 6 months so wondering what might have gone off...

Thanks, Mark.

If it were mine, I'd get the alignment checked. Firstly, it is good practice since the car is new to you and you will get a baseline for the future. Second, it should ID anything major in the suspension. And third, it will get your steering where you want it to be.

[Nurvus]

I have the same problem, except it's 5 degrees left, not right. My car is a newly-acquired 1998, so I do not know the complete history. The leading theory is that when an alignment was done, the wheels were aligned, but this caused the steering wheel to be set in this off position. It's more work to do an alignment properly, with the steering wheel centered. I took it to two Porsche specialist shops, one in MA and one in NY, who both said that the car is safe to drive, and the alignment on the car is good, but re-alignment would be needed to get the steering wheel correct again. For now, I'll just live with it ...