After my X308 returned from the shop I noticed that the steering wheel is not level (not horizontal) when the car is driving straight ahead. It is like 5 degrees off-center. Is there a DIY way to fix this, or do I need to bring it to the shop?

Thank you!

 

Search this forum for how to remove steering wheel: pretty simple, but you need to be careful with the airbag; then remove the nut, pull the wheel off the spline, reposition it, reinstall the nut. Be sure the wheels are straight ahead at the start of this effort.

Lots of threads . . .

 

First, find out (ask the shop) what work was done to determine why the steering wheel is not level anymore.

If work was done on the front suspension, then you will need to have the wheel alignment done (tyre shop) during which they will also position the steering wheel level by the adjustment of the tie-rods.

If the first shop, for some reason, removed the steering wheel (and no work was done on the suspension), then they have not put it back in the correct position and you should ask them to redo it.

 

You can move the tie rod ends an EQUAL amount of 'flats' (6 hex flats per revolution) to center the wheel.

When I did alignments at the dealer, I test drove the car and if the wheel was slightly off, I just pulled it back in the shop and lifted the car.
Move the tie rod in opposite directions to get the steering wheel level.
I knew how many 'flats' to turn the wrench to get the wheel level by how 'crooked' the wheel was.

I was not going to setup all the alignment equipment again just to move the steering wheel a few degrees.
If you move the rods and EQUAL amount, you will NOT change the geometry! (just the steering wheel angle)

Sounds like you need about 2 'flats' (1/3 tie rod turn) to get it level?

One tie rod need to be lengthened and one shortened. (one screwed IN and one screwed OUT in equal amounts)

Sometimes you must also take the road 'crown' into consideration. The LHD cars need to be 'steered left' when on the right side of a heavily 'crowned road'.