Xantia - Steering wheel misalignment

[lancia58]

When I drive straight ahead the steering will is not align what I mean that its spokes are not horizontal and it looks like it turned. A month ago it was perfectly aligned and I didn’t touch the steering at all. How can this happen ?
The car is Xantia 2.0 16V Automatic make year 2000

Thanks
Zohar

[Hell Razor5543]

Well, there are several possibilities, but the first thing I would check is the tyre pressure.

[Xantidote]

Have you hit any potholes recently?

[VertVega]

If none of the above then check if steering rack ball joint (outer) is failing.

[red_dwarfers]

If you haven't removed the steering wheel and altered the position of the splines then something must have changed on the wheel arch end of things. Worn bushes/ball joints (tyres too maybe?) Bent wishbone/track rods/wheels.

[falling-out-with-my-car]

If you have had new tyres fitted and not done the tracking at the same time this can affect it to.
it might sound daft but check the front wheel nuts are done up tight to.

[Peter.N.]

Turn the wheel from lock to lock and see if the distance is the same both ways, if it is the steering wheel is correctly fitted so the track rod ends need adjusting, if it isn't the wheel wants moving.

Peter

[lancia58]

Hi

It was the wishbone bush, replaced it and all is OK

Thanks
Zohar

[Peter.N.]

Good, pleased you've got it sorted.

[falling-out-with-my-car]

Ahhha I couldnt get the new wishbone bushes to fit they seemed to big to me so I made the mistake
of filling the arm down so they would fit,
it passed the MOT fine there was no play in the beginning
but it cost me £70 for a new bottom arm with bushes already fitted to sort it out.
lesson learn't. Doh!!!