2004 C3. Steering Problem

[frogeye1000]

Hi.

 

new member, first post.

 

just bought daughter a c3 1.4. pretty happy with it except the steering wheel is easier to turn right than it is to turn left. even when the car is not moving. i've had the tracking checked and adjusted and it's just had an mot so ball joints shouldn't be an issue.

 

any ideas.

 

thanks

richard.

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

First thoughts are;

- if you can, jack up the front of the car and see if it still happens or even tries to turn one way on its own - this should help discount tyre/wheel/wheel bearing problems. Parking the front wheels on magazines should also do this.

- whilst jacked up, make sure the wheels can spin freely, no wheel bearing noise and the brakes are not binding

- check the tyres are ok and same tread pattern

- check the tracking  has been done correctly so that the length of the track rods threaded bit to the track rod end joints are the same

- check the front suspension coil springs are not broken

- if the front coil springs have been replaced (which is likely since they are a common failure) everything may have been done up with the springs under a twisting tension (not with the wheels pointing forward) so there is a tendancy for the steering to try to turn easier one way to undo the twist. I think I read something like this but can not remember where. Also check the springs on each side are the same colour (bands) and are not odd ones in case just one side has been replaced.

- lastly a problem with the steering rack or electric power steering motor.

- if there is a noise when turning the steering, the bearings at the top of the front suspension struts may need replacing - I had to do this on one side of our C3 after the front springs were replaced but apart from the noise, it did not affect the steering.