Recent alignment, misaligned steering wheel?!

[TMarsh04]

I had an alignment done recently and noticed a few days after that the steering wheel wasn't exactly straight. I'm sure I could take it back to Schwabb's to get it corrected for free. But I was wondering if it's possible to adjust the steering column or anything to correct it real quicklike, without taking the truck back in. I know probably all of you out there know if this is possible or not. So if it is, please tell me how! Thanks.

 

[Jspafford]

It looks like your truck is a 1998-2000 which has a rack and pinion steering. You can probably take the steering wheel off and realign it. But that is not your problem. The problem is they did the alignment wrong and it needs to be fixed. I am sure you paid good money to have it done and it should be right. Take it back to them and nicely explain your problem.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

taking the steering wheel off to straighten it is a lot harder then it sounds...much more difficult then just adjusting the tie rod ends to straighten it.

 

[Jspafford]

taking the steering wheel off to straighten it is a lot harder then it sounds...much more difficult then just adjusting the tie rod ends to straighten it.

Yup, especially with air bags, and I think some of the steering wheels are keyed to fit the steering shaft only one way.

Let us know what they tell you when you take it back to them.

 

[MAKG]

And the rack has a center point. THIS is off center as well.

 

[TMarsh04]

Well, I took my truck back to Schwabs and had the alignment fixed. It only took a few minutes too, so I don't think the rack was ever knocked out of alignment. But, Shane, the owner of the Les Schwab I deal with is a family friend and didn't charge me anything. I don't think he would have anyway, but it was nice not havin to pay more. I did check out removing the steering wheel as well. After talking to Shane about it I decided to to try it just because. It's actually pretty easy. There is a trick to getting the ignition out, but the rest is simple. Thanks everyone for the replies.