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Brand New 2009 Elantra Pulling To The Right

3.6K views 11 replies 6 participants last post by  jblynch  
#1 ·
Hello

I am new to the forum and a brand new Elantra owner! I just bought a 2009 Elantra this past weekend and have noticed a few things. The wheel seems a "tad" bit tighter turning to the left and a "tad" bit easier turning to the right. When I drive, it seems ths car wants to go to the right more often than straight or to the left. Funny thing is when I drive on a flat, straight road, it seems to be alligned just fine. Drives straight most times. Am I imagining this? I let my fiance drive it and she said that she did feel it going to the right a few times. She is convinced it is the road and I am just used to driving my old "tank" and that since this is a new car, it just feels different.

Has this happened to anyone else? I have heard that the electric power steering sometimes needs to be reset to zero to ensure a straight drive.
 
#3 ·
I haven't noticed the symptom of more resistance right or left, but on my 08 GLS, the steering wheel is slightly left of center (2 or 3 degrees) when going strait. It has been this way since the day I drove it off the lot. The car tracks and steers perfectly, so I haven't taken it back to the dealer to correct this. Does anyone know if this is a difficult adjustment and how much it would (or should) cost to correct it? I assume adjustments like this are not covered by warranty. The car is 15 months old, 14000 miles.
 
#4 ·
alanb, you're right let me make myself clear... I have not noticed the symptom of more resistance to one side or the other neither. Nevertheless, I do noticed the little deviation of the steering wheel but for some reason it makes me believe that is the reference point that cause that feeling. If you pay attention (at least to me) the cluster/console are slightly deviated, don't take it from granted, I might be wrong.
 
#7 ·
You are not alone! I just bought my 2009 SE on 8/10 and have the same issue. It's transient and more noticeable at freeway speed. It will also sometimes cool off then push a bit to the left so it's just not settled. I lost the chance to have it quickly looked at 2 days after purchase as my dealer was putting Xzilon coatings on. Will be looking to take it in for review next week.
 
#8 ·
Update from service visit last week....

Had the dealer check this. Said they had and no real result. In my case, the steering wheel is cocked to the left of center a few degrees that I notice though others might not. I will continue to try to work the issue as it takes away from enjoying the ride.

jl
 
#9 ·
QUOTE (jblynch @ Sep 10 2009, 10:34 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=262692
Update from service visit last week....

Had the dealer check this. Said they had and no real result. In my case, the steering wheel is cocked to the left of center a few degrees that I notice though others might not. I will continue to try to work the issue as it takes away from enjoying the ride.

jl
I found this link, http://used-tires.blogspot.com/2007/06/cro...off-center.html You should have ur alignment checked again and corrected by the dealer.
 
#10 ·
#11 ·
Getting the alignment checked is good advice. But in my case, with 19000 miles, I am seeing perfect wear on the original Hankook tires and no issues with pulling or drifting. The off-center steering wheel has been that way since the car was new. So I think it is just a steering wheel adjustment issue and not alignment. I think I will just live with it untl it is time to get new tires or an alignment ... then I might ask about it.

I was thinking that I read somewhere that the Elantra has electric assist power steering and the steering wheel centering is an adjustment in the power steering system. I can't seem to find that post now though. Does someone know if this is the case or did I dream it?
 
#12 ·
alanb

You are correct. According to the Steering section of a RepairPro CD I purchased for $19 from TraderPauly on EBAY, there is an adjustment routine called ASP that may relate to what you're saying. This particular section gives a very detailed review of all that's involved with the Electronic Steering System; and, I'll be making that part of my weekend homework.

Thanks!

jl