I have a question for you tech guys:

My steering wheel went off center and I had 2 wheel alignments done. First one did not fix it and was a crappy alignment. The second time i went, i took the advise of a friend and requested that I be allowed to set the steering wheel center when they do the alignment. The tech at the shop was being a giant male reproductive organ about it and did not let me do it, instead said he will do it himself. I explained to him that the wheel is off to the left and needs to be moved slightly to the right. Of course, it goes without saying, he did not do it! The alignment is great and he did a great job in that regard, when compared to the previous shops I've been in but I'm annoyed that although the car goes straight under breaking and accelerating, the steering wheel is crooked!!
In any event, can someone tell me what is involved in setting the steering wheel center? Is it something that can be done in my garage or does it need special equipment that typical home garages do not have?

Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

You need to do it while doing alignment................

nine times out of ten the alignment techs dont turn the wheel both ways --EITHER mid alignment OR when prompted to by the computer alignment screen instructs them too!

you have to center the wheel and THEN tighten down on the tie rods, turn the wheel a few times each way to near full lock and then back again, and reset alignment as needed...

-J

 

That being said.........take it back....

I for one, am willing to drive across town to an alignment shop that realizes im an enthusiast/track guy and lets me be there the entire time, doing what i want on alignment...

yes, i know thats hard to find, but thats what i do..

-J

 

a. Look at the steering linkage. Find the knuckle. Remove top part.
b. Front tires facing forward. Center steering wheel.
c. Attach steering linkage to knuckle.

May take you one or 2 tries.

 

steering linkage = the steering rack and tie rods...

Remove what top part??? the tie rod end from the knuckle?

Doing this forces the hydraulics in the rack off.......your not supposed to adjust doing it that way.... your supposed to adjust steering wheel alignment via the inner and outer tie rod with the rack centered and not forced hydraulics (thus the turning the steering wheel both ways then center mid alignment), thats why the inner and outer tie rods thread into each other..

-J

 

Thanks J.
the tech is a good guy and i did call back to tell him i still have that one issue. He said the "steering was dead on center and alignment in spec". This is the best place for alignment i've been to and i felt like he was getting annoyed. I know i shouldn't give a rat's @$$ and will go back, but i'm just wondering if i can do this by myself.

 

^ did he mid alignment turn the wheel both ways to near full lock??? thats where you get rid of slight weight inputs and center the steering rack hydraulic system... while on the rack..

-J

 

Nope! was watching the entire time.

 

having this problem tired of going back and forth...

 

You can also get this issue on any car with power steering if you don't start the engine when you center it up during the alignment.