Steering wheel doesn’t return to center

[hgeranium]

I noticed that my wheel no longer returns to center after replacing the left outer tie rod. Stayed the same after the inner tie rods, drag link, and track bar were subsequently replaced (on different days- didn’t have time to do it all at once) and with the alignment done.

 

The truck is aligned and drives great but the fact that it occurred after replacing the left outer end and hasn’t resolved after all linkage was replaced and aligned is a bit concerning. I understand this is likely a caster issue but not much other than that. 

[Pete M]

what are the specs from the alignment? specifically the toe setting?

[hgeranium]

Just now, Pete M said:

what are the specs from the alignment? specifically the toe setting?

I wish I had the answer. The shop I got it done at didn’t tell me nor noted it on the invoice. I could try to ask but am not sure if they kept a record. 
 

It was a reputable local shop, not Firestone or any big chains FWIW.

[derf]

21 minutes ago, hgeranium said:

I wish I had the answer. The shop I got it done at didn’t tell me nor noted it on the invoice. I could try to ask but am not sure if they kept a record. 
 

It was a reputable local shop, not Firestone or any big chains FWIW.

I would ask them to recheck it.  Specifically mention that it no longer returns to center.  Even reputable shops make mistakes from time to time.  They should be willing to make it right.

[eaglescout526]

When you say center do you mean after a turn it doesn’t return or you replaced a component and the wheel is no longer centered?

[hgeranium]

Just now, eaglescout526 said:

When you say center do you mean after a turn it doesn’t return or you replaced a component and the wheel is no longer centered?

The former. The wheel stays in place after turning and I have to manually spin it back. 

[eaglescout526]

Yikes! That may be a separate issue. But caster also affects that too. I learned that one recently. 

[Smash6]

31 minutes ago, hgeranium said:

The former. The wheel stays in place after turning and I have to manually spin it back. 

Does it even try to return at all or is it truly stuck there? 

 

Caster will affect wheel return but I don't know how they could have adjusted put in that much negative caster to affect the steering so much. I assume you don't have aftermarket adjustable control arms? 

 

My next guess would be that the outer tie rod (or some component...have the balljoints been touched?) is wrenched down so much that it's causing a binding issue. I'd recommend jacking the front up and see if you can feel any binding. I'd think it would be pretty obvious. 

[hgeranium]

1 minute ago, Smash6 said:

Does it even try to return at all or is it truly stuck there? 

 

Caster will affect wheel return but I don't know how they could have adjusted put in that much negative caster to affect the steering so much. I assume you don't have aftermarket adjustable control arms? 

 

My next guess would be that the outer tie rod (or some component...have the balljoints been touched?) is wrenched down so much that it's causing a binding issue. I'd recommend jacking the front up and see if you can feel any binding. I'd think it would be pretty obvious. 

It doesn’t move at all. I can keep it turning in circles without holding the wheel. Stock control arms, stock everything.  The fact that it occurred after the outer end makes me think that it has to be related to that tie rod end.

[AZJeff]

The self-centering function in the steering is controlled by the caster of the vehicles front wheels.

 

The tendency to hold a straight line on a flat road is controlled by the toe-in of the steering linkage.

 

before doing any fiddling with any adjustments, start by making sure both tires in the front are inflated to the same pressure.  If that checks out, it’s time to start measuring caster angles (and toe-in, while you are at it.)