Steering wheel slightly off center - just alignment required or maybe bigger problem?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
2011 E550 Coupe
Steering wheel slightly off center - just alignment required or maybe bigger problem?
Hi all. Took a 2011 E550 Coupe with about 60k for a test drive today. It drove really nice but I noticed that the steering wheel was slightly off center. When the steering wheel was centered the car would track to the right. I wouldn't call it a pull, because when you were going straight and took your hand off the wheel it would stay straight. Could this be a bigger problem with a unique steering system? - Is it an indirect fly by wire or direct steering shaft rack pinion type setup on these cars? If it's just an old school direct system then it should be able to be fixed with an alignment. But if it's something fancier like an indirect speed sensitive dynamic steering then maybe not.
Loved the drive, it was so effing powerful. Such a torque monster. I want this car, I just want to rule out any problems.
Thanks!
Loved the drive, it was so effing powerful. Such a torque monster. I want this car, I just want to rule out any problems.
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 738
Likes: 163
From: Orlando, FL
2016 E400 Coupe (C207)
My car had the same problem; it did not pull, but the steering wheel was always slightly canted to one side when driving on a straight rode. It took multiple visits to the dealer and the involvement of a shop team lead, but they eventually got the steering wheel straight.
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 38
From: Marietta, Ga
11 E350 Cab, 18 GLS450
If its not pulling at all and just not being straight, that would mean at some point the intermediate steering shaft was replaced etc. and not aligned back properly.
Since I do think the 2011 is not electromagnetic steering as my A207 is I bet its just readjusting the shaft to a straight steering wheel. I have replaced shafts on toyota cars and I made that mistake and just had to remove the one side of the shaft and re connect. Not sure your problem is major...
Since I do think the 2011 is not electromagnetic steering as my A207 is I bet its just readjusting the shaft to a straight steering wheel. I have replaced shafts on toyota cars and I made that mistake and just had to remove the one side of the shaft and re connect. Not sure your problem is major...
