Off-center steering wheel

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AKT

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Hello folks,


Hoping to get some advice here.
- car is 2+ years old
- never had an alignment
- tires are rotated

About 3 weeks ago, i had its wheels aligned and it now runs more smoothly. However, my steering wheel is a little crooked to the right. I go straight with no pull whatsoever. Just a crooked steering wheel. It is straight though in "parking speed".

Notes:
- only front wheels can be aligned. Rear wheels are "fixed".
- i noticed the gap between tire and fender are shorter on the left front wheels (left driver side is lower?)
- the wheels on the right passenger front side was my full sized spare tire (i do 5-wheel rotation)
- i went back to the shop to have it re-checked but the alignment specs are all good and green

My thoughts:
- should i try to interchange the front wheels?
- should i be on the driver's seat during the alignment process?
- is the lower left front side a factor?

Thank you in advance.
 
A crooked steering wheel is corrected by adjusting the TIE ROD ENDS. Often times this is overlooked when getting a alignment.
 
Thanks pro.

If i adjust the tie rod ends. Wouldn't the toe move as well? Pardon me but i am less than a rookie in terms of underchassis work.
 
Take it back and tell them the wheel is crooked. It's something they should fix. Ive done alignments and this is something a good mechanic should get right!
 
Thank you Doctor. I was just thinking since i am a little over 200 lbs, should i sit on the car during alignment? Does my weight affect the adjustments?

Hi Pro - yes, they have a lock in my wheel both times i went there. But the wheel is still crooked after the alignment. So it got me thinking, maybe there is another reason...
 
No your weight doesn't matter. Speak to the mechanic and show him how much the steering wheel is off. That will help him out. It's a very easy adjustment.
 
Dr Oldz said:
No your weight doesn't matter. Speak to the mechanic and show him how much the steering wheel is off. That will help him out. It's a very easy adjustment.
Click to expand...

Thank you! I will do that. Glad to know I don't have to lose too much weight ;)
 
No one can ever seem t get my steering wheel right. I put a piece of painter's tape on the wheel and column, and draw 1-3 lines connecting the two pieces of tape together to show them where I want the steering wheel to be.
 
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