When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So, I purchased a carbon fiber wheel for my 2019GS. Before I picked it up on Saturday, I had asked the dealer to install the wheel for me. On my way home I noticed that the wheel is turned to the right while I’m going straight lol. Called the dealer and told them about it and they said they’ll do an alignment. I figured they never touched the alignment of the car so why not just fix the mistake so I said no to alignment. From what I understand there’s only one way the wheel goes in and there’s even an arrow to line it up. My question is, is there a way they could have missed a step that caused the wheel to move out of alignment? Is there any movement even if you have the wheel lined up before tightening? They kept insisting that there was only one way it goes in and only alignment can fix it.
That's really weird. I just swapped my wheel for an OEM 2016 part, and the splines are definitely keyed. There's only one way it can go on. I wonder if the wheel itself is screwed up?
They can do a steering wheel alignment procedure which is likely what they were talking about. Essentially the straighten the wheel and tell the computer to reset center. It's electronic steering so there are no bolts that need to be turned for this.
I replaced my steering wheel myself and I'm surprised a professional tech messed this up. I thought the wheel had a keyway that didn't let you put it on the shaft with an out of center clock.
That's really weird. I just swapped my wheel for an OEM 2016 part, and the splines are definitely keyed. There's only one way it can go on. I wonder if the wheel itself is screwed up?
It was a gm core wrapped in carbon fiber and added some bolstering. other than that, the wheel is a oem equipment. I've read somewhere that there is a little bit of give and take on the wheel without it being tighten and or it has
to be turned all the way to the left?
They can do a steering wheel alignment procedure which is likely what they were talking about. Essentially the straighten the wheel and tell the computer to reset center. It's electronic steering so there are no bolts that need to be turned for this.
I replaced my steering wheel myself and I'm surprised a professional tech messed this up. I thought the wheel had a keyway that didn't let you put it on the shaft with an out of center clock.
Ok, I can ask them if that's what they meant. but he was talking about adjusting the tie rod
The turn to the left thing is just to get it against the lock so it's easier to remove the bolt.
The rack is power assisted, but there's still a physical shaft between the steering wheel and the rack and pinion. I don't know how a software setting could change the physical angles of the joints.
Ok, I can ask them if that's what they meant. but he was talking about adjusting the tie rod
How would changing the steering wheel result in needing an actual alignment? Not to say they are wrong, but thats ridiculous. What did the tech do when he installed the steering wheel?
Originally Posted by Jeff V.
The turn to the left thing is just to get it against the lock so it's easier to remove the bolt.
The rack is power assisted, but there's still a physical shaft between the steering wheel and the rack and pinion. I don't know how a software setting could change the physical angles of the joints.
Ah yes true, but they also have to reset the steering wheel sensor to center if they do this. I'm still surprised its gone this far for just a steering wheel change.
The OEM wheels are keyed and can only go on one way. I've swapped wheels twice. The only way to get it wrong is the somehow force the wheel on over the key-way.
So, I purchased a carbon fiber wheel for my 2019GS. Before I picked it up on Saturday, I had asked the dealer to install the wheel for me. On my way home I noticed that the wheel is turned to the right while I’m going straight lol. Called the dealer and told them about it and they said they’ll do an alignment. I figured they never touched the alignment of the car so why not just fix the mistake so I said no to alignment. From what I understand there’s only one way the wheel goes in and there’s even an arrow to line it up. My question is, is there a way they could have missed a step that caused the wheel to move out of alignment? Is there any movement even if you have the wheel lined up before tightening? They kept insisting that there was only one way it goes in and only alignment can fix it.
I don't understand how they got it wrong? Is that wheel not using an OEM core? There's a key way so it cannot go on the wrong way. If they were able to put it on wrong then something is messed up.
I don't understand how they got it wrong? Is that wheel not using an OEM core? There's a key way so it cannot go on the wrong way. If they were able to put it on wrong then something is messed up.
There is a little bit of play there even if you have the arrow ligned up. I brought the wheel the car came with to compare and the play was still there. Maybe there’s a notch that holds the wheel in the back to make it snug when tighten and they somehow missed it I don’t know what to tell you lol. I watched them take it off try the original wheel then put the cf wheel back on tightened it and it was straight. Of course they were just as confused but I know better not to take it back to them for anything other than warranty work. The service manager asked me what kind of lowering springs I have when I asked if they could lower it. As soon as he asked that, I just said nevermind 🤯
Steering wheel misaligned after install
