Yup, mine pulls very slightly to the left too... the thought of the alignment being slightly off is more bothersome than the actual act of having to hold the wheel slightly to the right to correct it. I double-checked to make sure the tire pressures were all spot on, and still didn't help. I hate bringing my car into the shop, so I think I'm just gonna live with it.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by str8 6
[B]mine tilts to the left a little if i want to go straight.

 

My wheel was fine until I picked it up after having the tsb #054 done. Apparently parts of the steering assembly must be removed and when they put it back together the wheel was crooked. I had the dealership fix it

 

You guys are trip'n
Theoretically the alignment can be fine with the steering wheel off center (related but different).
If it bugs you, simply mark the tie rods and suck one in the same amount as you dial the other side out (1/4 turn or so) and you can straighten the steering wheel w/o changing your alignment. Not a big deal!
Now if the car is pulling one way or the other you might actually have an alignment issue.
Please don't confuse the two, not really the same thing.

Note: If the tranny has been out of your car (TSB, new clutch, whatever), the steering wheel might be off center do to the misalignment of the splined connection before the rack. In that case, don't do the tie rod thing I mentioned above or you'll be out of center on the rack (not good).

 

Alignment shops are SUPPOSED to center the steering wheel during the alignment... except many places neglect it. If you make it clear that it must be fixed or you won't pay, they'll probably fix it right.

- Warren

 

I had this problem with one of my cars several years back. Whoever posted (Warren?) that the alignment shop is supposed to align the wheel is correct. However, since this doesn't bother a lot of people, not all shops will do it unless you make it clear to them that you expect the spokes to be centered. If you have ever been to a high performance driving school or have otherwise been taught to hook your thumbs over the spokes, it will drive you nuts if the wheel isn't centered when you are going straight.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by chroot
[B]Alignment shops are SUPPOSED to center the steering wheel during the alignment... except many places neglect it.

 

Keep in mind, when you get new tires they're SUPPOSED to set the air pressure correctly as part of the service. If it's wrong when you get home, you don't need new tires. I know this example is kind of extreme, I'm just making the point that the alignment itself might not be off, just the centering of the wheel (take it back and have them center the wheel, don't tell them the alignment is off, it's not!). They are two different things and when you talk about them as if they are synonymous, people will perceive that you don't know what the hell you're talking about (and they'd be correct).... you know what I mean?

 

mine was off center- took it to the dealer and they fixed it with no complaints- looks much better centered!

 

Yes, RT, we understand. Despite the fact that a non-centered steering wheel doesn't indicate a bad alignment, centering the steering wheel is still a part of the alignment procedure.

- Warren