Tracking problem - steering staying true centre

Tracking problem - steering staying true centre

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Acuity30

Original Poster:

661 posts

32 months

Thursday 1st February 2024
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Daily driving a 2011 S40, which AFAIK shares the same chassis and suspension as the Mk2 Focus. Ever since I got it used the steering wheel would always want to turn left slightly, I'd have to hold it a few degrees to the right from TDC to keep it running straight.
So I got some new front tyres and tracking done. Now the wheel wants to stay a few degrees to the right and will run somewhat straight and true if I let go of it. If I move the wheel centre it will drift left slightly. Not the end of the world but it's a bit annoying.
Since tracking has done what else could be to blame? The lower control arm bushes look a bit perished, so I suppose I could replace both of those and hope that fixes it? The components themselves are straight and true.

kambites

69,360 posts

235 months

Thursday 1st February 2024
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If it's tracking straight without your hands on the wheel but the wheel is at an odd angle, it sounds like the people who did the tracking didn't properly clamp the wheel before adjusting the toe.

Acuity30

Original Poster:

661 posts

32 months

Monday 12th February 2024
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To update, garage redid it and it's fine now. Though he claimed there was nothing wrong with it to begin with. Won't be going there again