Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Steering Wheel Alignment
A steering wheel that is off center is not always the result of improper steering wheel alignment. One possible cause is tire lead due to worn or improperly manufactured tires. Lead is the vehicle deviation from a straight path on a level road without pressure on the steering wheel. Refer to Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction in order to determine if the vehicle has a tire lead problem. Before aligning the steering wheel the vehicle alignment must also be correct.
Before performing any adjustment affecting wheel alignment, perform the following inspections and adjustments in order to ensure correct alignment :
- Inspect the tires for the proper inflation and irregular tire wear. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label , and Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear .
- Inspect the steering gear for looseness at the frame. Refer to Fastener Specifications .
- Inspect the steering wheel for excessive drag or poor return due to stiff or rusted linkage or suspension components.
Perform the following steps in order to perform steering wheel alignment adjustment:
- Tires must be in the straight ahead position.
- It maybe necessary to have an assistant hold the steering so it does not rotate freely once the steering shaft is disconnected on a vehicle equipped with an SIR system.
- Disconnect the steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
- Rotate the intermediate shaft until the steering wheel is visually straight. If the steering wheel is out over a half turn check for other damage on the vehicle.
- Reconnect the steering shaft to the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
- Verify that the steering wheel is straight.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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