Problem after replacing wishbone/console bushes

[Dave_C]

I recently replaced my console/wishbone bushes on the front of my ibiza (the ones that always go) and used the uprated cupra bushes. This, as you'll probably know, means removing the front subframe and fitting the new bushes, then faffing on for ages getting things to fit back where they used to (harder then it sounds!).

Since I replaced the bushes and completed the job my steering wheel has been off centre by quite a way. I think the problem will be one of two things;
- the steering rack was not aligned and 'centered' when I refitted it; simple fix being to the remove it, re-centre the wheel and bolt it back on.
- because the subframe and other 'suspension' components were taken off then replaced the car needs proper 4-wheel alignment to ensure eveything is straight and safe again.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Dave_C]

I'm sure atleast one person on here has had these replaced and knows what work was done at the time (even if it was done at a garage).

 

[mexicorich]

You can check if the steeing wheel is aligned with the centre of the rack just by measuring the turns from side to side
Then get the wheel alignment done straight away before you destroy the tyres even quicket than before the bushes were done
Once the tracking is right, I'm sure you will notice a big improvement in the directness of the steering

 

[Dave_C]

The steerign wheel is definitely off-centre but I've not measured the turns side-to-side I'll check that though thanks.
I can't see how the tracking would be out though as the track rod ends have not been touched, only the subframe?

 

[kelford1988]

Get is aligned and your problem will be solved. Trust me as I changed all my front bushes and FARB this summer, drove like a bag of on the way to the garage, got the wheels aligned and it was a whole different car.

 

[DEAN0]

The steerign wheel is definitely off-centre but I've not measured the turns side-to-side I'll check that though thanks.
I can't see how the tracking would be out though as the track rod ends have not been touched, only the subframe?

The dealers move the subframes around to match the camber left to right so it is VERY easy to put the tracking out when you remove the subframes.

As has been said - get the car aligned properly.

 

[Dave_C]

Get is aligned and your problem will be solved. Trust me as I changed all my front bushes and FARB this summer, drove like a bag of on the way to the garage, got the wheels aligned and it was a whole different car.

The dealers move the subframes around to match the camber left to right so it is VERY easy to put the tracking out when you remove the subframes.

As has been said - get the car aligned properly.

Okie dokie speaking to an engineer at work he seems to think this is also true.

I'll get it booked in for tracking this week, thanks a lot!

 

[RUM4MO]

Okie dokie speaking to an engineer at work he seems to think this is also true.

I'll get it booked in for tracking this week, thanks a lot!

No, "tracking" tends to be interpreted as adjusting toeing - as said already, and you also know this, your car needs a proper four wheel re-alignment - and that can only get done by a place that has a modern wheel alignment bench and not just a simple toe checking fixture.