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I just got an '06 MCS and I noticed that to to straight I needed to turn the wheel slightly left. I brought it in to a local shop to have the alignment done. IT hadn't been done in a while, because they had a little issue breaking the tie rods free. They did the laser alignment on all four wheels and you can let go of the wheel and it goes straight. BUT, the damn wheel is still cocked to the left. If I put the wheel straight, it veers right. I brought it back today, and they were able to get it closer to where the wheel should be, but not quite there. They said they can have a guy at their other location look at it, as he's more of an expert on less common cars.
Is there anything I can tell them to look for to make the steering wheel and the actual wheels to be more "lined up" together?
The Mini steering wheel only goes on one way, so if it's cocked that means that the chassis is out of alignment. They should have started with the steering wheel perfectly level and gone from there.
Whether or not you get them to do it again, you should probably check your LCA (or [front] lower control arm) bushings. They're prone to failure and you won't get a decent alignment if they're shot.
When an alignment is done the first adjustment is to center the steering wheel and lock it with a brace that holds it in position and then the wheels are adjusted at the tie rods. There is nothing strange or unusual about it being a MINI.
I think you get the point - this is a sign you have bad mechanics. I would be reluctant to have them work on my car more, but since it is paid for, you probably want to get your money's worth. Ask to speak to a manager if needed, he/she should understand they did a bad job. If not, definitely cut your losses and find a better shop...
The wheel has to be centered before they start wrenching on it. If not, they will get the wheels all alligned relative to each other but with the steering wheel is some crazy orientation.
When an alignment is done the first adjustment is to center the steering wheel and lock it with a brace that holds it in position and then the wheels are adjusted at the tie rods. There is nothing strange or unusual about it being a MINI.
This! If the alignment shop is not getting the wheel straight and locking it down before they starting doing the alignment, find a new alignment show. There is nothing special about a MINI vs any other car.
If the alignment shop is not getting the wheel straight and locking it down before they starting doing the alignment, find a new alignment show. There is nothing special about a MINI vs any other car.
