Crooked Steering Wheel
 

Anybody else had problems with their steering wheel going crooked? I've had several alignments done, but almost every time the wheel goes crooked to the left. I've asked the tech to make sure the wheel is absolutely straight during alignment, but it just keeps happening. Could there be something mechanical that's causing it or is the tech just screwing up?

Do you go to the same alignment shop every time?

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If your steering wheel has ever been removed; it could be a spline or two off.

"Goes" crooked or "IS" crooked.

As in is the wheel off right after alignment?

Or is it initially straight, THEN becomes off after a bit?

It seems like it's straight right after alignment, but starts to go crooked after driving for just a little while. It always goes crooked to the left, not the right.

How long after?
By time you get to a stoplight?
A few days?

Check your front tire pressures first

I had the same issue. Mine was crooked slightly to the right after alignment. Got another alignment at a reputable shop and seemed good then got crooked again. Got another alignment at same reputable shop and asked to straighten out the wheel. Even compensated the steering rack to take into account if wheel was off a spline or so. Was straight right out of alignment then got slightly but less crooked than before.

Then I swapped the oem wheel with an aftermarket and it's now slightly crooked to the left. Might have aligned it a spline off tho but the splines seem big enough to create more extreme misalignment. Drives straight so no care.

Have you checked to make sure there's no loose/worn parts in the front end? A worn balljoint or bushing could make the alignment drift after being set.

That is most likely the cause. Has the car been in an accident?

Most likely alignment, toe quite likely the crooked crook... We have some bad roads where I live, the pot holes knock the alignment out. I've had alignment done 3 times in as many years.. The first 2 were planned as I had dropped the car and 3rd time due to steering wheel being slightly out...

So, this is kind of funny. The other day I put my Autocross wheels on and the steering wheel is almost exactly straight now. The RE-71R's I have on those rims are still almost new. When I took my daily's off, I noticed they've finally corded on the inside from camber wear. Could that have actually caused the wheel to go crooked?

Yes, tires wear in a weird pattern and create a pull

Only if the alignment is out, or uneven pressures, or the suspension is shot. Driving with tyres worn down to the cords isn't very clever.