Tie rod replacement and possible alignment issue

[Arpegius]

Today I replaced my tie rods. I test drove it to see if I measured the length of each side correctly. The car doesn't pull, but when my steering wheel is positioned in center the car drives to the left. But when i position the steering wheel so that the car drives straight, it looks like my steering wheel was put on crooked, (it is an aftermarket steering wheel so I could have possibly installed it crooked originally). The reason I am concerned is because before this install I never noticed my steering wheel as crooked as I see it now. If it doesn't pull Should I dish out the $70 bucks to have the car aligned?

[Brew]

Yes, you need to have your car aligned. Don't drive it too far either or you risk ruining your tires.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Align the car professionally.

[Arpegius]

SNAP! $150 for parts. and another $70 for alignment. This car is killing me

[KenC]

Take your wheel off and position it correctly.

You spent $150 on tierods?

[Arpegius]

I spent $49 on each assembly. Then nobody had the rubber boots so I had to go to the dealer. Cost me another $50 for the rest of the hardware. I read a DIY article on e30tech and I decided I should get everything they said to get. I also didn't want to get the $40 sets from ebay because i heard terrible things about those brands.

[Knockenwelle]

Take your wheel off and position it correctly.

Don't do that. You will have unequal turning radii, as well as screw up the bumpsteer curves. Have it aligned.

[Keanan]

Align the car professionally.

Yes, you need to have your car aligned. Don't drive it too far either or you risk ruining your tires.

Don't do that. You will have unequal turning radii, as well as screw up the bumpsteer curves. Have it aligned.

I know you are trying to save money by doing yourself but now it is time to get it aligned. It might not pull hard to one side or the other but it still needs an alignment. If you turned one tie rod half a turn to far or not far enough it can be out of spec.

Take it to a shop and tell them you just want the front toe adjusted. That is the only alignment adjustment that can be made to a stock E30 (You can add aftermarket adjustments like camber plates and stuff).
Nothing can be adjusted in the rear and only toe can be adjusted in the front. Don't pay Les Schwab to adjust things that can't be adjusted.


- Keanan

[Arpegius]

Thats what I tried with firestone but the guy there said its a flat rate of $70. I dunno where else to get it done thats in beaverton/portland area on a sunday. It is my only means of conveyance. I might just have to bend over on this one.