Drivetrain Tech General discussion of drivetrain for the Ford Ranger.

Alignment? Steering wheel crooked?

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Old Sep 23, 2009
  #1  
stevev88's Avatar
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From: north van, BC
Alignment? Steering wheel crooked?

For the past while iv noticed in order for my truck to stay in a straight line the steering wheel needs to be clocked a few degrees to the right. I just had the vehicle aligned when I prekeyed the truck (I didnt tell them bout the steering wheel just figured it would be fixed when aligned) and that didnt fix it. The truck doesnt wander all over the rode like its out of alignment but the steering just cant sit symetrical and go straight.

Anyone else have this problem or know whats going on? Suggestions?I just wannamake sure this isnt anything major before I lift the truck. I still have warantee and dont want them to deny me warentee if I bring it in after the lift and it turns out to be something major.

Thanks as always
Steve
 
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Old Sep 23, 2009
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08XLT4x4's Avatar
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From: bomba shack
did the alignment shop test drive it? if not, ya gotta tell them about it!
 
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Old Sep 23, 2009
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yea ive got the same problem but mine is to the left... i need to get the steering wheel reset
 
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Old Sep 23, 2009
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From: Logan ohio
Mine too.. I think its a ford thing lol. My truck does it. My gen2 is HORRIBLE my dads 04 F250 Superduty did it. So idk. Mine in my 99 isnt that bad but i wouldnt mind knowing what causes it.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2009
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gotmud?'s Avatar
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From: avon park florida
mine also is tilted to the right after my lift but when i put the pitman arm on theres onl;y one way to install it so idk
 
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Old Sep 23, 2009
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From: Muskegon, Michigan
yeah mines not centered perfectly after my alignment either. no big deal
 
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Old Sep 23, 2009
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From: North Canton, Ohio
Mine was like this. I took it back and the guy at the alignment shop said their was to much tow, He didn't get it perfectly centered but its alot better and more tolerable.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2009
  #8  
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From: Hartford, WI
Originally Posted by evilclown312
Mine too.. I think its a ford thing lol. My truck does it. My gen2 is HORRIBLE my dads 04 F250 Superduty did it. So idk. Mine in my 99 isnt that bad but i wouldnt mind knowing what causes it.
It isnt a ford thing! It all has to do with alignment! It could either be the toe needs to be readjusted to get the wheel back to center, or caster is off from specs, it could be a number of adjustments. Alignments arent easy! Gotta give a good aligner credit! I worked on mine with a tech at work and hes supposedly one of the best guys at this and my wheel is not centered.....what are you to do but try the alignment again (hopefully free of charge)
 
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Old Nov 19, 2009
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Seb_L's Avatar
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Ya mine is like that, gets annoying... Gotta get it aligned
 
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Old Nov 19, 2009
  #10  
bergs's Avatar
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From: Arizona Bay
If your wheel is crooked after the alignment then the alignment wasn't done properly. The tech likely started the procedure with the wheel crooked and didn't realize it. Have the shop make it right or ask for your money back.
 
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Old Nov 20, 2009
  #11  
backwoodsmudders's Avatar
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From: Hartford, WI
When setting toe, you put a chock inside the vehicle to lock the steering wheel straight, then set each tie rod to spec. So you cant start that procedure w/o locking the wheel...
 
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Old Nov 20, 2009
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bergs's Avatar
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From: Arizona Bay
Originally Posted by backwoodsmudders
When setting toe, you put a chock inside the vehicle to lock the steering wheel straight, then set each tie rod to spec. So you cant start that procedure w/o locking the wheel...
Right, but if you lock the wheel when it's crooked, the entire procedure is based off that. The vehicle will fly straight as an arrow and everything is within spec, just with a crooked wheel. Trust me on this.

 
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Old Nov 20, 2009
  #13  
S1att3r's Avatar
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From: Emory, TX
Originally Posted by backwoodsmudders
When setting toe, you put a chock inside the vehicle to lock the steering wheel straight, then set each tie rod to spec. So you cant start that procedure w/o locking the wheel...
some of the newer alignment machines dont require you to lock the wheel. they compensate for the wheel turning while your adjusting the tierods. (dont ask me how i never undersood it. aint technology great)
 
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Old Nov 20, 2009
  #14  
backwoodsmudders's Avatar
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From: Hartford, WI
Yes sir bergs...you are right.
 
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