Hello everyone,

Iīd like to kindly ask for a solution for the problem Iīm having. In the february this year, I noticed my steering wheel is positioned little to the right (about 5-10°) - so when going straight, the steering was misaligned. I thought I hit a curb or something, so my mechanic fixed it by setting toe on the steering tie rods. Problem reappeared about a 2 months later, same issue, same fix, no problem since last month. Diagnosed bad steering, I refuse it as I feel no problem with steering at all (itīs not loose or anything), I take a preventive measure and replace the both steering rods (inner and outer).

I īve been to two alignment places, they do the alignment, all good in green, camber, toe, everything perfect front and rear. I do a test drive, bam, wheel is misaligned again, I go back up on the platform, bad toe rear right and left front. Test drive again, same symptoms, back on the platform, toe again. So I leave the place to see my mechanic. Iīve been advised to take a look on the front lower rear arms (arms they are? or wishbones, donīt know ). I do not wish to replace just those those arms, but the whole front suspension (I have nearly 193 000 km on 19" wheels on it), the problem is, the suspension bushings does not seem cracked or loose or anything. Brakes are fine, no dragging, I even changed to winter tyres to eliminate that it could be tyres.

My mechanic did the alignment last week as a last resort, now when i want to go straight, steeringīs about 1-2°to the left, If i let go of the steering wheel, it centers itself, but the car is slowly going to the right. Also, when I brake from 140kmph to about 100-90kmph, the steering wheel is shaking visibly for about 1-2 cm, If i brake harder, it doesnīt wobble, as soon as the speed drops below 90kmph, shaking stops. drive shafts are fine, propshaft has also no problems (is not loose or anything). Wheel hubs fine (no strange noises or anything), tyre wear normal.

Should I replace the front suspension along with stabilizer links? Or do you PLEASE have any idea what is wrong with my car?

 

Welcome to the board! Please fill your profile. Knowing your car and where you are helps people to help you.

You didn't mention front wheels upper arms. They are the most vulnerable.

 

Hello, yeah filled in the location, thanks . Itīs 2008 3.0 TDI. Upper front control arm was replaced on the right side, as the pivot was broken and it made banging sound. There is no play on any other of the upper arms.

 

What about upper arm bushings on the left side? Are there any cracks?

 

It's probably your tires. Sounds like your front tires have a radial pull. Sinve it is drifting right, you are compensating and have your steering wheel is slightly left. Cross rotate your front tires only and it will probably drift left and your wheel will be off slightly right. If that is the case, its your tires that have a radial pull.

 

Will check the bushings today. Tires are ok, I changed between front and rear, left and right, and car is still going the same direction. currently have winter tires on the car (for a test) - no change, still pulling.

 

If all else fails, take it to an Audi dealer for an alignment. You will pay dearly for the service, but it will be correct. They will replace worn suspension components first. They kinda know what parts wear out on these vehicles.

Disclaimer. I have had my A8 for about nine years and put about 175,000 miles on it (car has 229,000 miles on the clock). I have never paid for nor asked for an alignment on it. Tires wear evenly and the car still tracks straight. Even at the speed in my avatar. Go to my profile and look at the Bonneville photos for more.

 

They are totally useless here and going to the official dealership is a complete ripoff.

 

It may be that your alignment guys are not any better. Those machines are sophisticated and inadequate calibration or setting makes them very inaccurate. I had experience like that when they first switched from optical to this sensors. My toe angle was more than obviously closed but guy was blindly thrusting his machine. I bet he supported tire sale.

 

been to three alignment shops, left a decent amount of money on alignment already, I refuse to try blindly another shops just because "these might do better". No cracks on upper arms, just checked. Something is wrong with the car, I just donīt know what . Which arms could be responsible for steering wheel being off center except tie rods?