Tracking/Alignment Issue

[JaruloPan69]

Hey All,

been reading here for years, this is my first post. I'm the proud owner of a 1996 swb, medium roof smiley.

Ever since i bought it the steering wheel was a bit off center. Some time last year things got a bit weird after i had a shop replace one of the inner tie rods.
Sometimes the steering wheel would be dead straight, sometimes about 20° to the left or anything in between. Van drives fine and it doesn't affect turning, no noises, power steering is smooth.

I have since replaced the shock absorbers, the strut bearing and both inner and outer tierod ends myself. Old tierod ends still seemed ok though.
I did the alignment myself as best as i could and i think it came out pretty close to perfect (No Toe in/out as some recommended here).

Steering Wheel was straight after alignment and Van only slighlty pulling to one side (which is probably due rear spring sagging on one side).
After the first roundabout steering wheel CHANGED BACK to being off center to the left. I am absolutely clueless...

Could it be a problem with the steering rack itself? Van has only 100.000 km on the clock and is in pretty good condition.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Please excuse my english, not my first language...

[MinorMatt]

Are the steering rack bolts on the subframe tight?

There are also rubber bushes in the steering rack where it bolts to the subframe - if these have failed it could allow the steering rack to move (with the bolts tight) when under lateral (sideways) force...

Its not a common problem though