Steering wheel seems 12mm lower on the horizontal to the left side!? Is this right?

[djgriff]

Hi something has been bugging me and finally got my measuring tape out, is it normal for the steering wheel on the horizontal to seem 10-12mm lower to the left side ? Has anyone else got this in their van, if not is it fixable? Any help appreciated- please see photos , thanks

 

[oldiebut goodie]

Surely all you are seeing is the shape/orientation of the dash.

 

[djgriff]

Well that’s what I thought, but orientation and measurements state otherwise.. I’m not sure if this is how it is suppose to be? Has anyone else noticed this in their van?
Thanks

 

[djgriff]

It does feel like it is leaning to the left lol

 

[djgriff]

If anyone could check in their van next time they drive would be awesome, cheers

 

[oldiebut goodie]

Try measuring forward from a straightedge across the rear of the door openings?

 

[Daffy]

The only way to check is to use known fixed points and the dash isn’t one of them, I would fix a straight edge across the A pillars and go from there. (I see oldiebut goodie got their first - the B pillars would also be a good suggestion - whatever is easiest.)

Be aware that your drivers seat may also not be perfectly aligned with the centreline of the van - its one of the consequences of converting a vehicle that was designed to have the steering wheel on the other side.

 

[Daffy]

Just for info I’ve done some work for a supermarket on a couple of brands of commercial vehicle which established that the drivers seat was basically turned towards the o/s A pillar and the steering wheel was off the centre line of the drivers seat - both manufacturers confirmed this was as intended - so be aware that whilst it may be ‘out’ from your perspective it might be as the manufacturer intended.

Also your steering wheel may be out of true, is it the same when turned 180’?

You haven’t said if yours has been involved in an accident, this could also be a factor.

 

[djgriff]

Thanks gents and a really good call on measuring from a fixed position. Will take a look now and let you know what I find.

I didn’t realise that some steering wheel alignment were off centre by default. Odd design addition, but guess there must be some sound logic to it.
Thanks

 

[Ali-G]

Just for info I’ve done some work for a supermarket on a couple of brands of commercial vehicle which established that the drivers seat was basically turned towards the o/s A pillar and the steering wheel was off the centre line of the drivers seat

Yes, I ended up seeing a Chiropractor when I was driving Scanias for Asda back in the early 2000's.

 

[djgriff]

So just ran a length of wood through both windows and pinned up against the back of the door frames and it’s still 10 mm out. Would anyone be able to check if theirs is. The same would be great to know if this is how vw t6 s are designed. Cheers for the advice on checking though, appreciated.

On the off chance is there a way to adjust the horizontal position?
Thanks

 

[djgriff]

Yes, I ended up seeing a Chiropractor when I was driving Scanias for Asda back in the early 2000's.

Oouff that’s not good

 

[Ali-G]

Have you tried rotating the steering wheel 180° and measuring? this would give you an indication as to whether it's an issue with the column or if the wheel could be bent.

 

[djgriff]

Have you tried rotating the steering wheel 180° and measuring? this would give you an indication as to whether it's an issue with the column or if the wheel could be bent.

Just measured and still the 10mm off set on the left side so consistently out.

Hmm I guess I will have to strip down the dash and see if there are any fixing bolt that can be adjusted..

Thanks though

 

[djgriff]

Don't suppose anyone had a chance to check their t6 and if this is a design 'feature'. would be great if someone could

Thanks
Daniel