Steering Wheel Off Center

[Michigander]

I just had new bell cranks, idler arms and drag link installed on my Workhorse P32 chassis of my LYGMH. A front end alignment was done, also.

It drives straight and does not pull, but now the steering wheel is off center to the right pointing at almost 1:00 o'clock.

It's a hassle to take it back to the shop. Is there a way I can fix this myself?

Remove steering wheel and re-position? (I heard that the steering wheel only goes on one way. Is that true?)

Adjust the tie-rods in opposite directions?

[Smartstream]

Take it back and make them do it correctly. You can play with the tie rods but you are guessing and hopefully they had the equipment to set it up precisely. Some vehicles you can move the steering wheel but now you will have a tighter turning radius to one side than the other. Driving it the way it is will also screw up your turn signal operation.

[gloran]

I would take it back, you just spent a chunk of money to have all that work done. If you can't take it back right away I would at least call them and tell them the work was not done right and that you would like to bring it back at your convienence.

[hissilver]

I agree with your first three responders...take it back! Personally I would ad a good wagging of the finger and shaking of the fist, but that is just me.

[Bruce B]

Take it back!
There is no excuse for that condition to exist after an alignment.
We test drive every car after every repair and there are times when you just miss with the wheel alignment. It requires that the technician set the vehicle up and re-allign everything. A p.i.t.a. no doubt but part of the business!
Bruce

I should point out that there are rare circumstances that allow tires to create a pull in the vehicle that has nothing to do with alignment but you said that the MH drove straight so that should not be an issue.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by Michigander

I just had new bell cranks, idler arms and drag link installed on my Workhorse P32 chassis of my LYGMH. A front end alignment was done, also.

It drives straight and does not pull, but now the steering wheel is off center to the right pointing at almost 1:00 o'clock.

This is common and isn't necessarily the shop's fault (except that they should have road tested it and caught it then). There's enough play even in a properly working linkage that it's hard to set the steer-ahead properly on the alignment rack.

It's a hassle to take it back to the shop. Is there a way I can fix this myself?

Remove steering wheel and re-position? (I heard that the steering wheel only goes on one way. Is that true?)

Adjust the tie-rods in opposite directions?

Don't move the steering wheel.

You can adjust the tie rods being sure that you adjust them in equal amounts on each side so that you don't change the toe-in. You'll be making one side longer and the other side shorter. Some trial and error will be required.

I need to do this on my daily driver, for the same reasons.

[is.chowa]

After my front end work came the alignment after which the test drive , then they recentered the steering wheel. The shop I used does the H/D truck stuff, they adjusted the tie rods and then did another test drive.

Steve

[Michigander]

Originally Posted by Michigander

It drives straight and does not pull, but now the steering wheel is off center to the right pointing at almost 1:00 o'clock.

I followed all of your advice and took it back.

They adjusted something and now the wheel is way better than it was, still a little pointed to the right, though.

I think I'll leave well enough alone and try it out for a while. It does track straight and that is what matters most.

Thanks to all for responding and offering advice!