steering wheel and alignment

the only time I ever bring my truck to a shop is for an alignment and after this experience I'm thinking I might do my alignments my self from now on.

brought my truck to Midas for an alignment. they said they needed to center the steering wheel after the alignment and it would cost extra. to me this seemed strange because they should have locked the steering wheel in the center before adjusting the toe. I didn't want to pay extra but at the same time I just wanted the truck back ASAP with a centered steering wheel, so I agreed. I picked the truck up and the wheel is about 2 degrees off center when driving straight. really not a big deal but I paid extra and feel like I got totally ripped off.

I called them back and they said its under warranty and they would fix it. But at this point I really don't want to drop my truck off with them again. what I'm thinking of doing is just taking the steering wheel off and rotating it a couple splines on the column.

 

If it’s only 2 degrees off 1 spline will end up with it the other way. Best method to center the wheel is crack both tie rod jamb nuts loose and adjust each side the same amount in the direct you desire

 

Center the steering wheel

That’s part of the alignment process.

Did you replace the rack and not get the steering column on the correct splines?

 

column brings up a good point.

if the slip joint has a bit of slop, getting it straight can be a bitch

 

In the days of Mom and Pop Alignment Shops the steering wheel being straight was all part of the job.

Also if you had worn parts you were always given the option to have it fixed then and there or do the repair yourself. Then not be charged till the alignment was completed .

I am sure some franchise shops do outstanding work.Have out standing techs .Then company policies need followed .

Franchise chain shops it seems every item at times is billed separate. If it is not noted on the work order it does not get done .

If the alignment can not be done your still billed and at times not told what the issue is.

 

100% this should be part of a proper alignment. I have only come across 2 shops (one being an alignment only specialty shop) in my area that include a front end inspection as part of the alignment process and making sure the wheel is centered. I remember commenting to the technician that my wheel was off center a bit when he was taking the truck into the shop and he said 'we'll fix it, its part of the alignment'.

 

Nope nope and nope. The steering wheel and it's connections to the rack are fine, don't screw with those. This needs to be corrected at the tie rods.

Edit: Why did you get it aligned in the first place? Did you do some work that put it out of alignment? New rack, new tie rods, other suspension components? Or was it just a routine alignment?

 

sorry for not responding for a couple weeks. I usually get an email when some one comments on a post im part of. anyway thanks for all the in put.

I replaced LBJs, inner and outer tie rods, and rack and pinion bushings. The alignment was horrible mostly due to the new inner tie rods I assume. after talking to the manager I deduced that I should not of been charged for the extra "wheel centering service". He said the reason they did that was because the steering wheel became off centered during the alignment process, so an error by the technician. they did warranty it and adjusted the toe by adjusting the tie rods. The truck drives straight with a centered steering wheel now. I didn't even argue about being charged the extra cash, learned my lesson and will have to invest in equipment for home alignments.

 

Glade you got it worked out.

Don’t do a home alignment. I have multiple solid axle vehicles I alignment myself. I would love it if I could take them to a shop and purchase a lifetime alignment.

You just have to know what you’re talking about when you go to the shop, and ask for the floor lead tech/ manager/ mechanic to do the alignment. And don’t expect it to be done while you wait or you’re getting the bare minimum effort.