Why Is My Steering Wheel Not Straight After an Alignment?
A wheel alignment is supposed to improve your car’s handling and ensure your tires wear evenly. So, it can be frustrating—and confusing—when your steering wheel isn’t straight after the service. You might drive off thinking something went wrong. And you might be right.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common reasons why your steering wheel might be off-center after an alignment, how it can happen, and what to do about it.
What Is a Wheel Alignment?
Before diving into the problem, let’s briefly review what a wheel alignment involves. A wheel alignment, also known as tire alignment, adjusts the angles of the wheels so they’re set to the manufacturer’s specifications. The main alignment angles are:
- Camber is the tire’s inward or outward tilt as seen from the front.
- Caster is the steering axis’s angle as seen from the side.
- Toe (the amount that, from above, the tires point inward or outward)
Smooth steering, even tire wear, and the best possible contact with the road are all guaranteed by proper alignment. When done correctly, your steering wheel should be straight when driving on a level road.
Common Reasons Your Steering Wheel Isn’t Straight After Alignment
1. The Alignment Wasn’t Performed Correctly
The most obvious reason is technician error. If the shop didn’t center the steering wheel properly during the alignment process, it can remain off-center even though the wheels themselves are aligned. A good alignment technician will lock the steering wheel in a centered position before adjusting toe angles. Skipping or rushing this step can result in a crooked wheel.
2. Worn or Loose Suspension Components
Even if the alignment was technically done right, worn parts in your suspension system can cause your alignment to shift soon after service. Loose tie rods, bushings, or ball joints might throw off the angles as you drive, making the steering wheel go off-center again. A reputable shop should inspect these parts before doing an alignment.
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3. Uneven Tire Wear or Tire Issues
If your tires are unevenly worn or mismatched (for example, one tire is newer or has a different tread pattern), it can cause pulling or uneven steering response. After alignment, this can make it feel like the steering wheel isn’t straight, even if the alignment numbers are in spec.
4. Road Conditions and Test Drive Error
After alignment, a good technician should test drive your car to confirm everything feels right. If they skip the test drive or perform it on a sloped or crowned road, they might not notice a slightly off-center wheel. You may notice it once you get on a flat stretch of road.
5. Steering Wheel Position Wasn’t Adjusted Separately
In some vehicles, particularly older models, the steering wheel position might need to be physically adjusted on the steering column after an alignment. If the toe is corrected but the wheel isn’t recentered on the column, it will look crooked even though the car tracks straight.
What You Should Do
After an alignment, follow these instructions if you discover your steering wheel is off-center:
- Go Back to the Alignment Shop – Reputable shops will often re-check or fix an alignment for free or at a reduced cost if you return shortly after service.
- Request a Printout of Alignment Specs – This shows you whether your car is within spec and can help you verify whether the alignment was actually done correctly.
- Check for Worn Suspension Parts – Ask the shop if they inspected the suspension before aligning. If not, you may need a second opinion.
- Don’t Wait Too Long – Driving with a misaligned steering wheel, even if the car tracks straight, can indicate underlying issues and may lead to uneven tire wear over time.
Final Thoughts
When driving on a level road, the steering wheel of a car that is correctly aligned should sit straight. If yours isn’t, it’s a sign something was overlooked—either during the alignment process or with the condition of your suspension. Don’t ignore it. Even if the car “drives fine,” a crooked steering wheel means something’s not right.
Getting it checked early can save you from bigger problems (and more expensive repairs) down the road.