Steering Wheel Not Centered

[TripleshotMcC]

I'm on my 5th Mustang and 4 of them are modern cars starting in 2000.
I always take my new cars to my mechanic and have him check the alignment within the first couple hundred miles. My 24 was actually out of alignment from the factory and the steering wheel was off by bit, enough to drive me crazy.

They zero that thing with the electronic alignment machine these days, never need to take the steering wheel off. Took them all of an hour to do the alignment and center the steering wheel.

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[MegaMan]

When they fixed mine they said it was they said it was

The adjustment was done through the electrical system. It used to be they would adjust tie rods.

How did they adjust the steering wheel being off center through the electrical system?

 

[Snakebyte]

How did they adjust the steering wheel being off center through the electrical system?

It indeed can be confusing these days. Today's steering commonly uses "fly by wire". Yes there are mechanical connections at the chassis level that must be correctly adjusted, but the steering wheel does not employ a hard, mechanical interface with the chassis steering linkage. His issue apparently was the result of an erroneous electronic signal, which required recalibration

 

[MegaMan]

It indeed can be confusing these days. Today's steering commonly uses "fly by wire". Yes there are mechanical connections at the chassis level that must be correctly adjusted, but the steering wheel does not employ a hard, mechanical interface with the chassis steering linkage. His issue apparently was the result of an erroneous electronic signal, which required recalibration

That makes a lot of sense now, thanks! What is this wizardry?!

 

[GhastlyTT]

It indeed can be confusing these days. Today's steering commonly uses "fly by wire". Yes there are mechanical connections at the chassis level that must be correctly adjusted, but the steering wheel does not employ a hard, mechanical interface with the chassis steering linkage. His issue apparently was the result of an erroneous electronic signal, which required recalibration

The Mustang has a hard mechanical interface with a rack and pinion that is assisted by electric motors, known as EPAS. It is not fly by wire. It sounds like the alignment tech fed the OP some BS.

 

[Sofa King]

I've said it before... get an alignment. These cars all seem to be quite a bit off from the factory... and alignment is covered for 12 months under warranty.

 

[Gregs24]

It indeed can be confusing these days. Today's steering commonly uses "fly by wire". Yes there are mechanical connections at the chassis level that must be correctly adjusted, but the steering wheel does not employ a hard, mechanical interface with the chassis steering linkage. His issue apparently was the result of an erroneous electronic signal, which required recalibration

It really doesn't use 'fly by wire'!

 

[Gregs24]

Ford has been making Cars and Trucks with the Steering Wheel off centered forever..
What I mean by this is when you sit behind the Steering Wheel the Steering Wheel always is Left of Center. It isn’t that noticeable but if you look closely you will see what I mean.
Probably most Drivers have noticed it but no big deal unless you’re O.C.D.
Like I mentioned before.
Ford Steering Wheels always leans Left.

Except the ones in the UK which 'lean' right!

It is road camber

 

[Skye]

I'm attaching three files.

The first is a tutorial on Ford's Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS).

The second, a picture of the physical connection, linking EPAS to the mechanical suspension. Notice the linear screw in the photo. Given a screw and proper gearing, you can achieve extremely precise movements.

The third, a list of acronyms.

So yes, there is the mechanical linkage of the suspension; this must be properly aligned. Ford provides one free alignment check and adjustment in the first 12 months of ownership. I use a tread depth gauge and formally check tire wear several times a year.

Connecting the mechanical suspension to the driver: EPAS. IMO, the steering is not fully electronic, but a hybrid of sorts: electronic to the EPAS motor, then traditional mechanical. Generations past, the driver directly interfaced the suspension via physical steering linkages.

I did a quick troll of who is using what for steering. It varies widely, even on 2024 cars, from fully electric to traditional mechanical.

YMMV.

 

[Alan Applegate]

They still adjust the tie rods. That said, it should never be delivered as reported. Mine was, but they did fix it (realigned).

 

[Pierre]

How did they adjust the steering wheel being off center through the electrical system?

The steering angle sensor.

 

[Neggytive]

not only do they have to center the wheel, normally done by adjusting the tie rods, they also have to re calibrate the steering angle sensor to read the correct value when the wheels are pointing straight ahead.


If the SAS and actual position of the steering don't match the car will think it is doing one thing when it is not, and that screws things up like the collision avoidance system that will not activate if it thinks the car is already turning to avoid a collision.

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