Fixing alignment? steering wheel way off.

Post by **RobTheModd** » 02 Feb 2010, 11:13

So yeah I recently got my lower control arm done, and apparently this threw off my alignment even more then it was before.

Originally my steering wheel was barely off.

When I am going straight ahead, I am faced with this.

: IMG_5875.JPG (103.8 KiB) Viewed 7395 times

how can I fix this?

Post by **JDS60R** » 02 Feb 2010, 11:36

Hi Rob,

Sorry for the long answer.

You are right that the car needs an alignment after the control arm was done. The alignment will fix your issue and make your tires last.

The way it is done is to change the distance from the steering rack to the wheel by turning the shaft that goes into the tie rod ends on each side.

This will align the car. A local tire/alignment shop should be able to do this for you. Doing it on your own is tricky and will take several tools and at least a toe in guage.

Be sure to check your tie rod ends, ball joints, upper strut mounts and hub bearings for any play in them before taking it in. The general rule of thumb is to sort out any suspension issues (front and back)and then bring it in for an alignment. The technician will not be able to properly align the car if any of the suspension components have too much play in them.

Let us know how it tuned out.

P. S. - Make sure the steering wheel is straight while driving straight after the alignment. If not bring it right back. I have found most alignment technicians are not given the time to test drive the car so they do not know if the steering wheel is off. They will take it back in and get it straight. I only mention this as each of my last 4 alignments have been off.

peacock · Post by **peacock** » 02 Feb 2010, 13:50

ive found as well that u can unscrew the torx on the back of the steering wheel take out the air bag and then move it over enough splines to the left to make it straight.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 02 Feb 2010, 14:01

My question is, why is it off MORE after the control arm replacement? What did the mechanic mess up to make the alignment worse instead of better, as it should be with the new bushings in the new control arm?

atefitty · Post by **atefitty** » 02 Feb 2010, 14:33

vegasjetskier wrote:My question is, why is it off MORE after the control arm replacement? What did the mechanic mess up to make the alignment worse instead of better, as it should be with the new bushings in the new control arm?

Any time you replace a suspension component that effects toe you have to get an alignment..It doesn't matter which direction your steering has moved..It's nearly impossibe to mess up installing an a-arm, it only fits on one way, and if it was the wrong part it won't fit either...just get an alignment before you have to buy new tires..

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 02 Feb 2010, 14:35

I

vegasjetskier wrote:My question is, why is it off MORE after the control arm replacement? What did the mechanic mess up to make the alignment worse instead of better, as it should be with the new bushings in the new control arm?

It depends on what condition the arms were in when the last alignment was done. My alignment always changes when I change control arms.

...Lee

Post by **RobTheModd** » 02 Feb 2010, 14:37

Thanks guys. I will be sure to do this tomorrow

to answer the above.
it was off a smidge due to replaing axle. Plus it wasn't perfect when I got it

lol anyone who has been following my car knows it was far from perfect when I got it.

Post by **jblackburn** » 02 Feb 2010, 14:37

When you mess with the suspension, even control arms, it will knock anything more out of alignment than it was.

A properly aligned car will drive straight with the wheel pointed straight; you shouldn't have to compensate or the wheel shouldn't be turned at an angle on a flat road with no hands on it.

I chewed through a complete set of tires in 20,000 miles (probably more like 10,000 actually) because my car got knocked out of alignment and I didn't know about it.

Post by **jblackburn** » 02 Feb 2010, 14:38

Well fine, everyone else beat me to it. Must type faster!

Post by **RobTheModd** » 02 Feb 2010, 19:06

Lol. nicely done.

Ill be calling around trying to get prices, an alignment cant be to much can it?