[GeeTV]

Hi all,

Why is it that after a wheel alignment my steering wheel always wants to return to a position that sees it rotated left of centre? That is, the steering wheel has turned a third of the way around towards the left but the car is tracking dead straight. It takes a few kilometres, but after driving out of two different suspension specialists workshops it's the same issue.
Pretty sure the steering wheel is on tight.

Any ideas much appreciated!

 

[Gubi]

The GTV6/Alfetta have a rubber link on the steering shaft. It has a nasty habit of failing, at which point you could potentially lose steering. A common symptom of this problem is that your horn stops working.

Sounds like yours may potentially be gone. If that's the problem, get it fixed quick as it's unsafe.

 

[alfaparticle]

The bolt holes in the Milano steering rack are slotted and the lateral position of the rack will have some effect on the steering wheel orientation if the GTV6 rack is similar. You could try moving it to see if there is an improvement.

 

[FrencheGTV]

+1 on alfaparticle, check all the rack bolts and the mounting bushings. On mine the 2 bolts on the drivers side had rattled out a bit and the rubber bushing had perished on the passengers side, net result was the rack moved about an inch each way before having any effect on the wheels. You had to turn the steering wheel 30 degrees either side of center before it had any effect on the wheels, very very dangerous. Happened a few times before I nailed the problem, I would tighten the bolts up on the drivers side but the passengers side ones were still tight, took me months to realize the bushing was perished. I guess the rack was bouncing up and down a bit causing the drivers side bolts to rattle out allowing the rack to slide side to side.

 

[GTV6_Newbie]

Note mine has similar issue - however straight track is steering rotated approx 20degrees right. It does self-straighten with a slipping sound coming from the column - very un-nerving. Is there a sleeve I should look for (note the linkage to the steering box shows a slotted sleeve engaged with a rectangular dog and all *looks* OK...)?

 

[GeeTV]

Thanks for the feedback!!

Now this brings me to my next question - Do I need a new mechanic?

 

[italcarnut]

Check out this link:Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT Steering Column Ignition W/Key - eBay (item 120566789360 end time May-02-11 07:45:53 PDT)

If you look at the picture there is a knuckle under the rack. to the left of the knuckle there is a tapered shaft. Where the tapered shaft meets the cylindrical piece it is joined with rubber and acts as a road vibration buffer. This is where the problem usually is. The rubber wears and you get sloppy steering. I always just weld them and problem gone.