Steering wheel not always straight

[jman11788]

I'm having issues with my steering wheel aligning straight every time I make a turn. If I turn left to atleast 6 o'clock then bring it back to drive straight the wheel goes to 2 o'clock. If I make a right hand turn to atleast 6 o'clock it goes exactly back to center where the steering wheel should be. Is something loose down there that I need to be aware of? I got an alignment of course but it didn't fix it

 

[mtbtim]

I'm having issues with my steering wheel aligning straight every time I make a turn. If I turn left to atleast 6 o'clock then bring it back to drive straight the wheel goes to 2 o'clock. If I make a right hand turn to atleast 6 o'clock it goes exactly back to center where the steering wheel should be. Is something loose down there that I need to be aware of? I got an alignment of course but it didn't fix it

I wonder if your steering rack bushings are shot and the rack is moving quite a bit on the cross member when you turn. If you get under the rig between the front and rear wheels and look towards the front of the vehicle, you can see the steering rack. With the truck running, have someone in the driver's seat turning the wheel back and forth. If you see the steering rack moving quite a bit, the bushings are toast. If it's not the rack moving, keep having them turn the wheel back and forth and see if you can spot where the problem is.

 

[IBallEngineer]

I wonder if your steering rack bushings are shot and the rack is moving quite a bit on the cross member when you turn. If you get under the rig between the front and rear wheels and look towards the front of the vehicle, you can see the steering rack. With the truck running, have someone in the driver's seat turning the wheel back and forth. If you see the steering rack moving quite a bit, the bushings are toast. If it's not the rack moving, keep having them turn the wheel back and forth and see if you can spot where the problem is.

What he said!

:keyboard:

 

[111db]

I'm pretty sure the rack will budge a little even if the bushings are good. It will move quite a bit if they're shot.

Also your tie rod ends could be worn. There should not be any play at the tie rod ends when moving the wheel back and forth. Look for this when you're doing the check mentioned above.

Also check your ball joints, upper and lower. These have an effect on your steering, of course, since they control where your front wheels are located in relation to the body of the truck.

Once you get all that stuff ironed out - the steering wheel can be centered while doing an alignment by adjusting the tie rod ends.

If any of the above if found to be faulty - don't even bother going back to the same place for another alignment. He ripped you off by not doing a thorough inspection and taking your money knowing you'll need to come back.

Good luck.

 

[jman11788]

Ok I just didn't really think about that part I replaced them about 40k ago..
Steering feels tight though. I'll check it out. Thanks