Off-center steering wheel

[AKT]

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.

[PA DETAILER]

A crooked steering wheel is corrected by adjusting the TIE ROD ENDS. Often times this is overlooked when getting a alignment.

[AKT]

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.

[Dr Oldz]

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!

[PA DETAILER]

They should have a tool to lock the steering wheel during the alignment.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/....413812/page-3

[AKT]

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...

[Dr Oldz]

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.

[AKT]

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.

Thank you! I will do that. Glad to know I don't have to lose too much weight

[brettka7]

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.