Off Center Steering Wheel- Advice?

[Lazzman]

I replaced my outer tie rod ends several years back and used a different brand than the vehicle had on it which were longer. Even though I counted the turns from the old ones the new ones put the steering wheel off center.

I just had the outer tie rods & upper control arms replaced, so I need an alignment.

The steering wheel is pitched about 1/8 turn to the left off center.

Should I try and adjust the outer tie rods before the alignment or after?

Also, what approach should I take in fixing this? I am thinking that I should turn the driver side outer tie rod one turn in, as that side seems to be to long and putting the wheel off center.

Any help would be Greatly Appreciated

 

[FordGT55]

Having your Explorer aligned will fix the steering wheel being turned slightly to one side. Leave everything the way it is and take it into the shop for the alignment.

 

[yavapaires]

If the alignment shop is any good, they should align the steering wheel. If they don't, let us know, and someone can help you. Mean time, visualise in your mind which way the tie rods need to be turned and go accordingly. I do this to all my vehicles. This is also the way to set the toe-in.

 

[SoNic67]

Problem is that sometimes the way the end-links are threaded will not allow a perfect "straight" steering. I think something like 1/16 turn is in the range.
But, yes, the alignment shop should get it very close. This is how they start the procedure - put the steering wheel straight.

 

[Lazzman]

Thank you very much for all of the great advice. I'll head up to my local shop and post how it turns out- no pun intended :smoke: