Help! Steering wheel does not return to center after turning right or left.

When driving my 3251 the steering wheel does not stay centered. If you turn slightly to the right or left the steering wheel stays there. It is like driving an old truck. Could this be the rack going out or maybe something else? Is there an adjustment screw or something like an old steering box adjustment scew on the rack? Anybody ever had this problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Vanman

That sounds like a potentially very dangerous condition. Check your tie rods for any clearance issues. Are you on the stock suspension? Is your PS pump making any noises?

Strut mounts binding
Have you ran anything over lately lol

Replaced the PS pump last fall and it works fine. I went by the local European car shop and they said it was a handful on the road but safe to drive. Struts and tie rods are good and after some more research I'm thinking that it's time to find a good used rack and replace the one in my car. Thanks for the info.

Start with the basics. How many miles, any alignment checks, what's the condition of the control arm ball joints and bushings? These racks a pretty durable. I wouldn't just go changing it before evaluating all other comonents.
A good mech should be able to put the car on a lift and tell if the rack is the problem.

Can you turn the wheel left/right with little resistance and without the tires moving? There is a joint in the column that wears down...

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...g+flex+coupler

I back what Hummer said, racks on our cars will last hundreds of thousands of miles.
How many miles on the stock suspension? Have you checked alignment?
This is basic, but have you checked tire pressure?

I have the EXACT same problem, and replaced my power steering pump AND the rack & pinion, flushed all steering lines and bled the rack 4x.

My steering wheel does NOT come back to centerline and I'm not sure how to proceed next.

Someone mentioned that the struts (one or both), may be binding but whats the definitive test for this?

Here is all i have done to my ride:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=961701

Thanks for any advice!

Its the steering box, Has nothing to do with Tires or struts or PS pumps

I would start with inspecting/replacing fcabs, rtabs, ball joints...mainly fcabs and rtabs as those wear out rather quickly and cause play in the steering.

+1 to the steering box or alignment issues.

By "Steering Box" , can you be more specific?

Do you mean certain components on the steering column itself?

I replaced the entire Rack & Pinion, so obviously there's a new pinion gear, internal control valve and rack teeth.

On the column itself, my guibo coupling appeared within normal limits with no damage, and the telescoping shaft leading up to the firewall also appeared to be functional and not loose.

I also replaced the Power Steering pump and cleared all hoses and bled the system several times.

Another poster stated that my front strut(s) may be binding, affecting the smooth turning of the wheels, and the steering wheel's inability to come back to it's centerline after making a turn.

I'd like to review your "Steering Box" suggestion, if you would be kind enough to be a bit more specific as to what I should look into.

Thanks