how do i straighten a car steering??

trigger_mike

Just a question really, was looking at a car on ebay but it has a offset steering wheel where it's be knocked in a kerb or something and was wondering how would you straighten it as it has a airbag?
I used to have a old Mk4 escort and all you had to do was pop out the horn and undo the nut but these cars with airbags must make that immpossable to do so how do you do it??

intel

Make sure the tracking isnt out first and get the wheel alignment
checked first as it may be offset due to steering damage.

Also from what I can remember the whole steering wheel and airbag have to be replaced on some models of cars, or the nut is under the airbag and has to be done by an airbag specialist as they are certified to mess about with that kind of safety gear, a bit like a corgi registered gas fitter...

raymond

If the steering is "bent" its just a little bit more than turning the wheel round in the column.

Unless yoyu know what you are doing, or are prepared for a possible LARGE bill to fix it then walk away.

northern_munky

Sounds like this has had the tracking done in the past, the trouble with these kwikfit type places is they don't do it properly. To adjust the tracking the track rods on each wheel need to be adjusted equally, but most garages just adjust one wheel to save time and this then makes the steering wheel off centre. If its done properly again the wheel should in the straight ahead position.

By the way steering wheels with airbags can easily be removed like a normal steering wheel by disconnecting the battery and then waiting for 30 minutes before you touch the wheel.

trigger_mike

many thanks that was kinda what i thought munky, well i've offered them £200 for it so i'll see what happens.
Also can anyone answer me, i'm thinking of cleaning the car up a bit and selling it on again, do i have to regester it or can i feel in a the trader part?? i've never brought a car to sell on so im not sure how that part work? cheers

vansboy

You could be leaving yourself at considerable risk, gy buying the car with the INTENTION of reselling.

Your insurance won't apply, in this situation & you could come unstuck, if there are problems, after you sell it - you will be a business, after all!!

Have a look in http://www.honestjohn.co.uk loads info there.

VB