Alignment off after steering to either side

[jasohn]

I've started to notice that my 2006 R52's alignment stays slightly off toward whatever direction I had just steered, especially to the left. Turning the other direction will usually straighten out the alignment.

Anyone know what this might be a sign of?

[bmwr606]

sounds like worn suspension/steering bushings

[jasohn]

Would that be causing the creaking noises when I turn the steering wheel at a stand still?

[The Nun]

Quote: Originally Posted by jasohn (original)

Would that be causing the creaking noises when I turn the steering wheel at a stand still?

Could do, or it might be a stiff ball joint, got water in it and beginning to sieze? although you can get a similar noise in cold weather from the ball joint rubber gaiters, a quick spray with something like WD40 will cure that.
The steering if set up correctly should automatically tend to self centre after a turn, thats what the caster angles for, so unless its worn, incorrectly set or somethings worn/seizing or say a wheel has hit the kerb at sometime?

[jasohn]

I'm sure the vehicle has hit a curb before because the when we bought it used the wheels already had curb rash. I would think though that curb misalignment would only keep the alignment to one side, not like in this case where it misaligns toward the last direction I turned a high degree toward. I'll try WD40 on the ball joints and let you know if this works.

[jasohn]

Figured it out. Power Steering fluid was low. How simple was that?!!!