Steering wheel alignment issue

[terrapin69]

My "reputable" shop, who actually is pretty reputable, just did a lot of work on my 03 Eddie Bauer, 4WD, V6 engine. Among the work, front brakes, wheel bearings, tie rods - any way, after aligning it on their machines, three times none the less, the steering wheel is ****ed slightly to the left, it was to the right when I brought it back the first time - about 1-2 degrees at most - Kinda bothers me and the shop is now "out of time" until next week - I would think that after spending nearly $1100 - they'd be able to squeeze me in before taking new biz, but whatever.

Can somone out there let me know if this is a simple DIY (I don't have a ramp or lift) or will I need to wait and bring it back in for them to adjust correctly - I mean they have tried three times already

Let me know and thanks

 

[swshawaii]

Process of adjusting toe is simple, getting it perfect may be another story. Normally you shorten one outer tie rod and lengthen the other a minute distance to center the wheel. It's splitting hairs about 1/16" to 1/8" and a matter of trial and error getting it right. Centering the steering wheel should be the first thing done before alignment begins. Go back to the shop a fourth time and have them correct it or ask for a refund on the alignment charge.

http://www.carparts.com/alignment.htm#Steering Center

http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/175

 

[terrapin69]

Process of adjusting toe is simple, getting it perfect may be another story. Normally you shorten one outer tie rod and lengthen the other a minute distance to center the wheel. It's splitting hairs about 1/16" to 1/8" and a matter of trial and error getting it right. Centering the steering wheel should be the first thing done before alignment begins. Go back to the shop a fourth time and have them correct it or ask for a refund on the alignment charge.

http://www.carparts.com/alignment.htm#Steering Center

http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/175

Thanks - There was no alignment charge, per se. They rotated my tires for free because I was doing over $1000 of other stuff - They threw in this $20 service. Last night, the un-rotated back to normal, put the car on the alignment rack, and said it was perfecto - it's just the wheel is slightly off. Likely, I should mess with it. I don't think any damage will be done to the tires and this is purely cosmetic. ZI do, feel however, that should acommodate me right away as I just paid for major work - Instead of "we're too swamped right now". The dude admitted it would take him 25 minutes - Really?

 

[Number4]

Your talking about the steering wheel angle in the cab right?

It's really more of an OCD thing. And it's level to the gauge cluster but not to the steering wheel back cover (which I believe angles just a bit.)

Taking in new business or filling other scheduled appointments.

Just work with them on a time. Move past the 'I just paid xyz' thought. Life throws annoyances at us. Deal with them and move on.

I just replaced a bad alternator in my '05 Ex yesterday. Today, going in to work, my '04 alternator starts acting up.

That's two alternators in two days. But what can I do? Just deal with it and move on.

Back to the steering wheel. It's alignment will vary depending on what the are eyeballing it to when they do it.

 

[Tyleryac]

My steering wheel is crooked as well. I am going to take the truck to a Quick Lane to get an alignment.

 

[dco43054]

Can somone out there let me know if this is a simple DIY (I don't have a ramp or lift) or will I need to wait and bring it back in for them to adjust correctly - I mean they have tried three times already

No, there is no easy DIY fix.

The alignment was affected when they changed the tie rod ends.

 

[Donystoy]

I have never had a problem replacing tie rod ends with just measuring the old ones and marking them. Then installing the new ones using the same measurements. More checks would have to be made if there was a lot of slop in the old ones. If someone other than you did the work the toe in would have to be re-checked.

 

[terrapin69]

Thanks

agreed and thanks all - gonna just get it in when I can.