Steering not return to center

[pbhalala]

Hi,

I have 2006 Accord V4 SE. Some how steering is not return to the center after the turn. Need to turn manually. Steering is smooth.
I bought used car few years back. No accident in history. Two time alignment performed. New tires. But still have that problem. New brake and new rotor in the front.

Thanks.

Topic

[Shaun_300]

Pretty well guaranteed the strut bearings are seized. Do you hear any noises when turning from left to right? A lot of times a seized strut bearing will cause a “bung bung bung” noise while turning due to the coil spring winding or unwinding then snapping back to their relaxed position.

[EricTheCarGuy]

Strut bearings are a possibility and worth looking into but I would also want to see the caster readings on the alignment. I believe that suspension is set up for 0 caster but if it’s forward a little bit you will have trouble with steering wheel return. I know there isn’t an adjustment for caster on that vehicle but perhaps they could shift the subframe to make it come into spec if you don’t find the cause elsewhere.

[pbhalala]

Thanks for the reply. I don’t hear any noise when turning right or left. This is my alignment reading from the last time.

Front: Left Front: Right
Actual Specified range Actual Specified range
0.4 -0.8 0.8 Camber 0.0 -0.8 0.8
3.0 2.5 4.0 Caster 3.4 2.5 4.0
0.02 -0.08 0.08 Toe -0.01 -0.08 0.08

Front
Actual Specified Range
Cross Camber 0.4 -0.8 0.8
Cross Caster -0.4
Cross SAI -0.2
Total Toe 0.01 -0.16 0.16

[dwalmop]

That is plenty of caster. You have something else going on there (such as the previously suggested strut bearings).

[dreamer2355]

I would have them re check there alignment as as caster does affect how the steering wheel reacts during turning.

How does the steering feel in general when making tight parking turns or normal town driving turns?

Did you check the operation of your power steering system?

[EricTheCarGuy]

I agree that should be plenty of caster, you may have a problem with strut bearings as suggested or there may be a problem with the PS rack or some other suspension component.

[Author]

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