I am new to the forum and own an 08 4runner SR5.

I have the lifetime Firestone alignment and after getting new tires and taking it to them they told me the following:

" The wheels are in alignment but the steering wheel is now cast off to one side. We have a new diagnostic system that allows us to communicate with the vehicle's computer and allows us to correctly re-align the steering wheel. This is going to be a half hour job and will cost you $50. This is the only way for us to correctly adjust the steering wheel. "

I took it to them just over a year ago and had not ran into this issue. I told them not to do it and that I would simply pull the steering wheel and re-align it myself.

They told me there are special sensors that may be damaged or cause future issues if I attempt to remove the steering wheel.

My hunch is that they are full of it but I just wanted to make sure with other 4runner owners before committing either way. I am aware that I will have to unplug the battery for a while in order to prevent the air bag from going off and I have a steering wheel puller.

Your advice and responses are appreciated.

This shop does not know what they are doing. The steering wheel is centered by adjusting the tie rod ends on a rack and pinion system like we have. They are just to lazy to do it correctly. It is part of a standard alignment to center the steering wheel. Do not try to remove the steering wheel unless you have experience with dealing with the air bag.

Completely!!!

Speak to the shop manager. If that does not help, call the customer service.

Thanks guys. I figured it was BS since my wife picked up the car and magically, the steering wheel was suddenly aligned after I told them I would do it myself.

Thanks for the replies.