netman82

I did do this myself at one point (point 6 at the top) and mentioned it at the most recent garage, but they didn't seem to think it was relevant. I could try it again. I neglected to reply to your question about lane assist, which my car doesn't have.

Good thinking on the OE procedure, I'll have to take that to them when I return. I wonder whether they'd be up for a subframe alignment though! What part of the country are you in @IulianE (assuming the garage you used is in the same location)?

They did check the brakes etc., which I neglected to mention. However, I doubt this would be the cause though, as the car drives straight i.e. it doesn't actively pull to the right. It only does so when the steering wheel is centred. If I let go of the wheel when driving straight the steering wheel is offset to the left. I hope this clears things up a little.

Regrettably I have nothing positive to report. After my mentioned third opinion, the garage were stumped. They had it on the ramp for alignment twice, and both times everything checked out (after adjustments the first time), but upon test drive the car pulled to the right. Unfortunately, the offset is now now even more pronounced. They checked the suspension and steering components, and found nothing of concern. However, they did find that the rear adjustment for alignment/tracking was fused and had to be freed up, so they found it hard to believe that a previous adjustment had been made to the rear, as I'd been told was necessary by the first wheel alignment place. They are intrigued by the issue, and are keen to investigate further (which I am hugely grateful for), so I'm taking it back the week after next for an overnight stay, when the owner of the garage can take a personal look and hopefully figure it out. So far, I've just been charged an hour's labour, albeit a fairly expensive one 😬

Thanks @skomaz Paint spraying, bodywork etc., yes. I have given up on the detailing front, in terms of cost, quality etc. (sigh!). Hmmm, the first one doesn't sound so promising, but perhaps the second one. They sound a bit like John Bee on Abbeydale Road, who I cannot recommend, but I'll look into them, thank you. I have used P&W Automobile Services in Neepsend, and whilst I have no major complaints, I just didn't feel welcome there; I felt the chap didn't really want to help, which is odd, because I was willing to pay of course and felt like I was just a bother and wasting his time. Maybe I just caught in on a bad day.

Does anyone have first-hand experience of a quality body shop in the Sheffield/Chesterfield area? I've had few good experiences over the years, which has been really frustrating, and am just looking for someone to help get my Superb looking as good as it can be, in terms of minor paintwork attention, and for a fair sum.

UPDATE Ok, my local Skoda garage took it for a test drive and inspected the suspension and steering components and found nothing. They said it drives fine. Sigh. Next up, a second opinion on the alignment, and quote "it's way off". The right rear especially, with the left front only just within tolerance, supposedly. They did not give me a print out, unlike the other place. They wanted to up sell, but I asked them to speak to me beforehand. As it turns out, they weren't equipped to do the job anyway, and suggested another branch. They said it all needs doing from scratch. I have now consulted a third garage, and booked it in for a full inspection and 4-wheel alignment. After speaking to them in detail, I feel quietly confident. I'll update again next week, after the appointment.

@D402 Hmmm, that's a good question, I'm still trying to find a suitable stretch of road.

I can't be certain what caused the damage, but possibly a roadside pot hole. However, as I say, the car drove fine for months after that and I don't believe I've had any others incidents since.

In a way I'm glad it's not just me :)

@Tilt Not on this occasion! It's a local place that did the wheel alignment (same for the wheel repair). P.s. both readouts for the alignment state that the wheel is centred, for what its worth.

Hi chaps, Just to clarify, the steering wheel was still centred before and immediately after points 1 and 2 above. I can't be sure exactly when I became aware of the centring issue, but it certainly wasn't before the alloy wheel repair, or even after it initially. The damage to the alloy wheel that likely caused the buckling occurred several months beforehand.

Skoda Superb SE L Hatchback '67 plate on 18" wheels. I should start at 'the beginning', as it were. I perceived my ride quality had become less smooth, so I set out to determine the issue, and here's what followed: A tyre garage diagnosed a buckled NSF wheel; they re-balanced the wheel to 'help' in the short-term. An alloy wheel 'specialist' confirmed the buckled NSF, noting 2 areas requiring repair. They also identified a minor correction required on the NSR. Corrections were made and all wheels checked and re-balanced where necessary. I say 'specialist', as their technique, it would seem, for correcting the buckles was using a heat gun of sorts, a piece of wood and a lump hammer. However, I felt the ride was still rougher than it used to be. Back to the alloy wheel place, where the wheels were checked and running true, with a minor re-balance made on the OSF. I can't say this made any real difference. I subsequently felt the steering wasn't centred, as when held as such the car would move to the right. Next up, a trip for 4-wheel alignment at a place with Hunter kit. They checked against manufacturer spec for my vehicle, and made a small adjustment on the NSR - everything was well within the green. This didn't fix the issue, ride or steering wheel wise. Next, I took the car to a VAG specialist to check the suspension, which they checked visually. He took it for a test drive and confirmed the car was pulling to the right when the steering wheel is centred. I asked if there's anything else he could suggest, and he just mentioned tracking (I asked about steering rack). In my ODB11 tool, I noted a SAS operation, which re-calibrates the Steering Angle Sensor post alignment/tracking, which I did. This made no difference. I went back to the alignment place to have the alignment double-checked; they made a minor adjustment on the OSF. They also believed the tyres to be slightly underinflated, so they added some air to all 4 corners. This did not help re-centre the steering wheel. At this point I'd given up 'correcting' the ride quality (it could just be me). Next, I swapped the front wheels, in case it was an uneven wear issue. If so, you'd expect the car to the pull the other way, but the behaviour remained unchanged. I have spoken to my Skoda dealer where I get it serviced etc., and they seemed to overlook everything I'd tried and suggested £350 wheel-alignment at an approved local facility, which I can't justify and won't be doing. What can I try next please? I appreciate it may seem like a minor thing, but it's really quite bothersome to hold the steering wheel centred all of the time and I want to get to the bottom of the issue, as clearly something has happened or changed to cause this.

Thank you @Carlston This is great. I appreciate the following might seem obvious, but what would be the minimum load rating employed for a tyre on this wheel for my vehicle, a Skoda Superb MK3 1.4TSI Hatchback? Also, I imagine the XL tyres weigh more, and I'd like to minimise any additional and unnecessary weight were possible, so I assume I don't 'need' an XL-rated tyre.

Thank you @Carlston That is very helpful. Are mytyres able to supply with a fitted tyre do you know? I can't find this an option on their website.

mytyres.co.uk does not have the wheel I require in stock i.e. 6.5Jx16 ET41 5/112 57.1 steel rim, can anyone recommended an alternative supplier, ideally that can include a fitted tyre?

I have become increasingly anxious, after some recent issues, about not having a spare in my boot. After some deliberation, I have decided against a narrow space-saver and am looking at getting a 16" steel wheel. Here's what I have on my Skoda Superb (3) SE L Executive ('67) at the moment:- 18" Modus, 8.0Jx18, ET44, 5x112 with 235/45 tyres. (Wheel part # 3V0071498F / 3V0601025J ) Here's what I'm looking to put in the wheel well:- 16" steel, 6.5jx16, ET43, 5x112 with a 205/60 tyre. (Wheel part # 5Q0601027CJ ) Can anyone see any issues with this plan?