Piston Slap: Tie Rod Tuning for a Tweaked Tiller?

Scott writes:Hi Sajeev,The steering wheel on my 2016 VW GTI (manual w/performance package) is off center by a few millimeters to the left. It’s been this way since new and I’ve had the dealer look at it twice.The first time (w/250 miles on the clock) they told me there’s a service bulletin and that it’s normal pending the telescoping position of the steering wheel. We did an alignment with no luck (it’s cocked to the left in any telescope position). Then a year later the same dealer told me there is no such service bulletin and acknowledged that it’s off center, but offered no viable solution. I’ve noticed via a few online forums that many Volkswagens have this issue (with various fixes, such as tie rod adjustment or repositioning the steering wheel). I’d like to have this fixed as I love the car. Seeking your advice on what path I should take. I am okay with taking my car to an independent mechanic vs. the dealer….Love your column, keep up the great work!Sajeev answers:Interesting query! As you’ve seen on the forums, there are a few options:

• Remove the steering and clock it as many splines to the right is needed to compensate (BAD idea)
• Adjust the tie rods after toe setting is adjusted/verified correct
• Reset the steering angle sensor (after passing a wheel alignment check)

This thread was a gem, especially this quote:When checking for steering wheel alignment on any new vehicle listed, be aware that the position of the steering wheel can vary up to 2.5 degrees total. This is dependent on the position of the height adjustment of the steering wheel itself. In the full up position, the steering wheel is set approx. 1.25 degrees off center to the right and accordingly, 1.25 degrees to the left in the all down position. By controlling the offset, when the wheel is pulled into the normal driving position (center tilt) it will be centered. When testing for steering wheel center, make sure the adjustment is centered on the tilt.Perhaps there’s technically nothing a VW dealer can do? I’d take it to an alignment shop, hope for a second opinion that validates the need to adjust the tie rods.Go ahead and have a shop tweak something outside a “normal” parameter, I did this to TTAC’s Ford Sierra: finding someone with the fortitude to adjust the tie rods (and everything else) via UK Ford Shop manual and their experienced feel.

It worked well, so I have high hopes for your GTI. Of course, I went to 3+ shops before finding one that aligned vehicles sans whatever specs are in a computer. Surprisingly, a franchise shop (Meineke) with veteran techs tackled the challenge while independent guys walked away. Lesson learned: never judge a book by its cover.What say you, Best and Brightest?[Image: VW]Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry…but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice.