I replaced the right hand side lower wishbone control arm because of a ball joint failure. I remember the steering wheel being straight and level in a straight line before I changed the control arm. Now the steering wheel is slightly offset to the left from the horizontal when driving straight. I can't work out why.....The only parts I took off were the control arm, the spring and the lower ball joint, damper lower bolt and the anti roll bar linkage at the lower wishbone end...nothing else. The steering column and upper ball joints remained connected.....Anyone know why the steering wheel would now be 'left' when driving straight? Thanks Allan

 

You've more or less dismantled most of the front suspension on one side (did you use the spring compressor tool etc ...?).
Get a geometry check/alignment done and all should be well.

AndyP

 

Hi Andy, yes I agree and thanks for the good advice...I was trying to work out what bit moved to make the steering wheel go left in a straight line, the actual mechanics of it...see what I mean? Thanks Allan

 

I think that I have worked it out....If the new track control arm/ball joint is fractionally longer than the old one the right wheel would be pointing ever so slightly to the right when the steering wheel is straight ahead, hence compensation to the left required.....what do you think...drives great though.... Allan.