Steering Wheel Centering

[BobsTrail]

New tires and alignment last week. The 4Runner handles fine and feels good on and off road. The steering wheel is not quite centered, it's a few degrees off.

Looking for opinions/advice if I should have the dealer center it or leave it alone. No issues with VSC on a snowy road yesterday.

 

[LawnDart]

If it bugs you enough to spend an hour of the dealers service time then yes they'll adjust it for you. I did a 1600 mile road trip in July and had mine realigned because it was gonna bug the shit out of me.

 

[Vrrooom]

Good luck finding a dealer that's competent to do it. You might be better of adjusting the tie rod yourself and taking it to a shop to ensure the toe alignment is in check. I've had the worst luck getting mine centered.

 

[Moremankev]

Dealing with same issue.

 

[<<<<]

It is really easy. There is a TSB on steering wheel centering for 4th generation. 5th is not different. Search entire forum.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

It is really easy. There is a TSB on steering wheel centering for 4th generation. 5th is not different. Search entire forum.

What this?

View attachment T-ST003-01.pdf

It shouldn't be that hard to set the steering wheel straight.

Are you saying that on flat level ground the vehicle still does not steer ahead straight with the wheel at 12 o'clock?

 

[Vrrooom]

What this?

View attachment 184569

It shouldn't be that hard to set the steering wheel straight.

Are you saying that on flat level ground the vehicle still does not steer ahead straight with the wheel at 12 o'clock?

The difficulty is to adjust both sides by the exact same amount otherwise it will throw your alignment off. I don't know how precise you have to be but I would imagine very.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The difficulty is to adjust both sides by the exact same amount otherwise it will throw your alignment off. I don't know how precise you have to be but I would imagine very.

I get that part, I've done it a couple times off the alignment rack and it's tedious. But I meant getting the steering wheel straight on the alignment rack. I mean don't get me wrong, every now and then the stupid steering wheel holder slips or you push the car a bit too much and it shifts the plates. But I can't imagine them having difficulty setting the steering wheel straight, then again people erroneously believe that if the vehicle is aligned it will track straight on all roads.

 

[Vrrooom]

I get that part, I've done it a couple times off the alignment rack and it's tedious. But I meant getting the steering wheel straight on the alignment rack. I mean don't get me wrong, every now and then the stupid steering wheel holder slips or you push the car a bit too much and it shifts the plates. But I can't imagine them having difficulty setting the steering wheel straight, then again people erroneously believe that if the vehicle is aligned it will track straight on all roads.

I get that, but you'd be surprised how many alignment techs at dealers can't get that part right. I haven't had any luck and still have an off center wheel. I wish someone knew of a shop near me that could do it right.

 

[Antman]

I get that, but you'd be surprised how many alignment techs at dealers can't get that part right. I haven't had any luck and still have an off center wheel. I wish someone knew of a shop near me that could do it right.

Tire Village in downtown Bel Air.

Very un-impressive shop when you look at it, but they will get it right- EVERY TIME.

 

[USNA91]

If it bugs you enough to spend an hour of the dealers service time then yes they'll adjust it for you. I did a 1600 mile road trip in July and had mine realigned because it was gonna bug the shit out of me.

This.

I'd go nuts...

 

[<<<<]

If you driving in the middle of the road (over double yellow line) and your steering wheel is not straight while car does not pull to either side then steering wheel centering is right treatment. If wheel isn't centered because you are correcting pull to one side then it is whole another can of worms. I know it is common sense but I had to check my 04Runner before just doing centering myself. Now it is perfectly straight.

 

[kanab ram]

On all of my previous vehicles, I would pull and realign the steering wheel after an alignment, as opposed to messing with the tie rods. Is that no an option on these vehicles?

 

[<<<<]

You can do that also but next notch may be little to far. Can't fine tune it but it will get the job done in 15 minutes. Disconnect the battery before removing air bag. GL

 

[LawnDart]

You can do that also but next notch may be little to far. Can't fine tune it but it will get the job done in 15 minutes. Disconnect the battery before removing air bag. GL

Do you need a wheel puller for this?

 

[<<<<]

Nope, just loosen steering wheel nut till almost off (do not remove it yet, you will need 21 mm socket I think) then pull the wheel (you might have to put some muscle in it). I took mine off 2 times for steering wheel cover install and adjust. I installed it back with one notch correction to get it more straight for my liking. Just remember to reconnect air bag, steering wheel controls and car battery in that order.

 

[LawnDart]

Nope, just loosen steering wheel nut till almost off (do not remove it yet, you will need 21 mm socket I think) then pull the wheel (you might have to put some muscle in it). I took mine off 2 times for steering wheel cover install and adjust. I installed it back with one notch correction to get it more straight for my liking. Just remember to reconnect air bag, steering wheel controls and car battery in that order.

Good to know. I screwed up my steering wheel with the pocket clip of my knife and I got a replacement wheel from a friends smashed up 4Runner. But knowing I don't need a puller helps. I'll disconnect the battery for an hour.

Which lead do I remove off the air bag first? Does the order matter?

 

[nevada]

On all of my previous vehicles, I would pull and realign the steering wheel after an alignment, as opposed to messing with the tie rods. Is that no an option on these vehicles?

I was told to do it this way once, years ago, only to find out it is NOT the correct way to do it.

it can often affect the automatic turn signal canceler. it can also cause your actual steering to not be centered. it may end up turning further to one side than the other. some vehicles even have a steering sensor that can be affected.

the correct way is for the wheel to be centered to the shaft, and the shaft centered on the box/rack, then make any other adjustments at the TRE's.

 

[<<<<]

One or two degrees adjustment won't cause any issues. I don't think he needs major correction. Difference in Lock to Lock position will be minor.

 

[kanab ram]

Do you need a wheel puller for this?

Yes. You will likely need a puller.