Steerin Wheel Centering

[microsvc]

I took my Crew Cab in for an alignment, and a few months later I notice I have to hold the steering wheel at about 11-o'clock position to go straight. I brought it back last week and the alignment was still right on. They told me there's an adjustment to center the steering wheel. What is the adjustment and how can I do it?

Thanks!

[HenryJ]

Find another alignment shop. Centering the wheel is done by adjusting both the left and right tie rods.
If this happened recently, and there is no damage, I'd suspect worn ball joints, idler or pitman arm. That is a good start. If you find nothing there , work out to the steering shaft joints, wheel bearings, suspension bushings, etc.

[killian96ss]

If you want to do it yourself, it's very easy. Basically you loosen all 4 tie rod adjuster bolts (2 on each side) and turn each tie rod in opposite directions until your steering wheel is straight. Make sure you turn each tie rod the same amount or you might change your toe in/out setting. For example if you turn one side 1/4", you then turn the other side 1/4" in the opposite direction. Small increments work best!

Steve

[fallvitals]

Find another alignment shop. Centering the wheel is done by adjusting both the left and right tie rods.
If this happened recently, and there is no damage, I'd suspect worn ball joints, idler or pitman arm. That is a good start. If you find nothing there , work out to the steering shaft joints, wheel bearings, suspension bushings, etc.

Id second the find another alignment shop, after your warrenty on the alignment is over. Have them center the wheel. I think on their alignment machine they check for those worn components? Assuming they do it right of course. Im sure its no as thorough as checking each component individually. But for it to suddenly go uncentered... that doesnt sound good.