Why is my steering wheel tilting to right after going off-road?

Took my taco out this last weekend and I noticed at the end that my steering wheel is not straight anymore but tilting about 3-5 degrees to the right. It is still aligned so it is not drifting and remains straight on the road.

I am just wondering what causes this.

 

Needs an alignment

 

^ this.

Which is why many of us who offroad have lifetime alignments or get alignments with warrenties

 

Interesting, because the car is aligned. It goes straight when I let go of the steering wheel. It is just the steering wheel that is tilting. I am going to take it back to the shop that aligned it.

Thank you guys.

 

Agreed, needs an alignment.

Unfortunately, there isn't anyone in my area who offers lifetime alignments, otherwise I would definitely get it.

The best I can to is a 12 month/unlimited mile alignment warranty through Sears. They actually to a really good job, I'd recommend them.

 

thats exactly what happened to me a few weeks ago. I drove and got stuck in the snow. had to have pulled out and my steering wheel wasnt straight anymore. I had to take it to firestone 3 time within 2 weeks to get it fixed. I have a lifetime allignment from them and they were able to fix it on the 3rd try

 

I got mine done at pepboys back in November. I fotgot which one I got but they seem to have a 5 year unlimited mileage for 149.99. I may go back and get that one.
https://www.pepboys.com/service/tire_services/alignment/

"Choose your alignment warranty (3-month/4000 miles, 1-year/12,000 miles or 5-years/unlimited miles) to insure against potholes other alignment-compromising road hazards that come with the winter weather (and beyond). Hit another pothole? No problem! Come back and we will fix your alignment for free for as long as your warranty lasts! Don’t let the next pothole ruin your wheel alignment."

 

Wow!! 3 tries!!

 

If it tracks normal the alignment is probably still good, rather you probably popped over one tooth on the steering rack. Did you clip a rock/log/stump etc and hear a 'POP' or 'BANG' at any time? Happens to my rigs relatively regularly.

 

Yeah it tracks normal. And yes, there were many POPS and BANGS during the 3 day trip. In any case, it seems like I need to take it in.

 

Firestone does offer a lifetime warranty on the alignment and it is only 189.99 for me. I am checking the details.

http://www.firestonecompleteautocar...=Tacoma&vehicle.submodel=Pre+Runner&zip=90601


In addition to everything offered in the Standard Alignment service:

• Provide a Lifetime Warranty* on the alignment, which means we’ll set alignment angles on your vehicle every 6,000 miles or whenever needed, free of charge, for as long as you own it.

 

I have a minivan and my tacoma truck on lifetime allignment with fire stone. and I never had any issues with my van alligned there. I normally take it twice a year. but with my truck, they had to do it 3 times to bring it to my satisfaction.

 

Bent tie rod/ steering arm or component?

 

Good, I may take it there. What I like about pep-boys is that there is one in every city. Firestone centers are not as common.

 

I dont think so because the tilt is not that bad. I will find out this weekend when I take it in.