How do I adjust the steering?

[Willënskraft]

A couple days ago I went to Disount Tire for a rotation and balance for the wheels. Then when I drove at 60mph the steering wheel starts vibrating. I went back to have them rotate and balance the wheels a second time only at a different location, yet still the problems persist.

Also the steering wheel is now slightly off center and pulls right. Is there an adjustment screw to center the steering and stop it from vibrating? I read that maybe turning the tie rods would work, but not certain though.

[texasboy21]

You need a better alignment.

[Willënskraft]

You need a better alignment.

Made an appointment with Audi for a digital alignment.

[kevmor99]

Take it back and tell them the steering wheel isn't straight, they'll adjust your tie rod ends as part of doing the alignment to fix it.

[Willënskraft]

Take it back and tell them the steering wheel isn't straight, they'll adjust your tie rod ends as part of doing the alignment to fix it.

Yes sir I will, I'm going in on Thursday. But what other things should I look out for? This is actually the first alignment in over 4 years.

[customa4]

The problem is probably just the alignment. If there is some other suspension issue, don't worry, Audi will let you know.

[ADCS]

How did a tire rotation and balance cause your tie rod to get adjusted? I assume the first shop gave you a 'complimentary' wheel alignment resulting in your fubar steering? If so that is a great way for them to increase their tire sales lol.

[old guy]

If the car wasn’t pulling prior to the rotation and balance it could be one of the tires has a shifted belt. I have encountered that in the past. Swap the front tires from left to right and see if the pulling changes direction. If it does you have found your problem. If it stays the same you have a mechanical issue somewhere.

[Willënskraft]

How did a tire rotation and balance cause your tie rod to get adjusted? I assume the first shop gave you a 'complimentary' wheel alignment resulting in your fubar steering? If so that is a great way for them to increase their tire sales lol.

Actually it was just a rotation and balance at Discount Tire they don't do alignments. That's why I scheduled an appointment with Audi on Thorsday morning.

If the car wasn’t pulling prior to the rotation and balance it could be one of the tires has a shifted belt. I have encountered that in the past. Swap the front tires from left to right and see if the pulling changes direction. If it does you have found your problem. If it stays the same you have a mechanical issue somewhere.

I'll have to do that early morning on Thorsday since I'm flying somewhere. But I sure hope it does solve the problem.

[lyates1987]

If what old guy says is right then you might wanna look at replacing those tires. Do the alignment after replacing the tires if this is the case.

[walky_talky20]

I'd say the pulling and vibration is probably because the tires were way overdue for rotation. They are probably chopped silly and quite noisy now, as well. They may wear in after a few hundred miles or you may be too late to save them. Putting the tires back in their previous positions may cover up the problem.

Basically, it probably needs a new set of tires.

[Willënskraft]

Hmm interesting after the inspection the service member showed a tire wear chart and all tires are in the green area(good), but I forgot how much tread was left.

EDIT: Just googled the chart, the front tires have 7/32" tread left and rears have 6/32".

[walky_talky20]

I'm not talking tread depth. I'm talking about how chopped up the tread is. "Heel and Toe" wear, as it's called. Basically, the tires are no longer round anymore. They are jagged. In one direction they still roll smooth. That would be the direction they USED to roll in. But now you've rotated them and they all roll the opposite direction (or at least some of them). You probably have some "conicity" going on too (tires having a cone shape to them). These different types of wear could be pretty bad depending on how long it was since the last rotation, and how bad the alignment had been recently.

What I'm saying is when you run tires one way for too long, they are going to be straight weird when you turn them the other way (that is: after rotation). This is especially true if your alignment was whack, or if the tires are low quality or prone to certain wear characteristics. Usually they will wear back in after a short while. They will quiet down and track straighter, etc. But if they are really messed up, then the damage may be too far to reverse. Best plan at that point is to turn them back around and run them as far as you can.

[Kevin C]

If the car wasn’t pulling prior to the rotation and balance it could be one of the tires has a shifted belt. I have encountered that in the past. Swap the front tires from left to right and see if the pulling changes direction. If it does you have found your problem. If it stays the same you have a mechanical issue somewhere.

I have had the "conicity" problem mentioned above... It can easily be that a back tire wore with a bit of camber and when swapped to the front it causes a pull. I have had it happen in the past, after a few miles, it evens out. Still a good call on getting a fresh alignment.

[Willënskraft]

Swapped the front wheels this morning and the vibration reduced about 80% at 60mph. Also getting an alignment right now.

As for when the last tires were rotated was back in March when I purchased the tires new.

[Willënskraft]

Just got back from the alignment and now the steering is much better than before. It's centered and pulls straight. As for the vibration it's gone, but still slightly noticeable. I'm thinking it's because of the motor mounts. I'll also post the alignment specs later.


EDIT: Alignment Specs