So I installed some HP Blues, H-Techs, and full camber kit front and rear. My alignment looks good on paper and after 10,000km there has been no feather on the tires and the treadwear is even. However my steering wheel still isn't straight when I'm driving. What could cause this?

 

It may never been 100% again with lowering , I went from a prokit to coils and steering wheel is off by 1/5 of an inch and 2 alignments.

 

If you are talking about the steering wheel not being centered:
They can align the wheels perfectly but if the steering wheel is crooked when they do the alignment, the steering wheel will not be centered while you are driving. The technician doing the alignment on your car needs to straighten the steering wheel before they do the alignment. I'd take it back and try to get them to do the alignment again. Just tell them they forgot to straighten the steering wheel.

If you are talking about the steering wheel not turning back by itself:
As you can tell, after lowering your car, your power steering isn't working as well as it was before, and that is perfectly normal. Lowering your car changes the numbers of everything, and while we can and want to play with the toe, camber, etc... the caster has changed as well making it harder to steer the car, but that is one thing we do not want to change, ever. At least not unless you are an engineer (maybe technician) who knows exactly what you are doing. But either way, your steering wheel should still go back to center by itself.

If you are talking about the empty space in the middle of the steering wheel:
Adjustable tie rods and tie rod ends can help get rid of this.

 

Listen to dofu. Also if you are heavier than normal the tech needs to match your weight in the front seat while they align it.

 

Regardless of what springs/coilovers/suspension mods you have on your front end it's possible to have your steering wheel straight when going down the road. Any knowledgable alignment tech can fix this for you, if he tells you different he's a POS!
Gary

 

My wheel isn't straight and it drives me crazy!! Gotta get a realignment too..

 

Tell the alignment tech when you go in that you need your steering wheel straightened, it's a simple adjustment. I had to tell my tech, that's something they don't notice unless you bring it to there attention....Gary

 

Not exactly... that's something an inexperienced tech won't notice, but a seasoned tech should have as part of the alignment routine. Either way, it's the first thing they should have checked when they test drove the car before handing it back to you, and it's the first thing you need to check before leaving as well.

 

I'll get another alignment soon and tell them and see if it gets any better, thanks guys.

 

The shape of our emblem makes it VERY NOTICEABLE!!!!!

 

haha yep, should be part of the alignment routine!

 

Funny thing dofu, time before I got SLICK aligned after installing my new SPL arms my tech Steve asked me, "How long have you had the 19s on?" I answered, "Since '07 when we redid the springs/shock and camber kit!" That's scary, has he been doing my alignment wrong all these years? I also had to bring it to his attention the my steering wheel wasn't straight. He's been doing alignment for 30+ years. When I was in the business and went to Bear alignment school in Burbank one of the first things we did was straighten/secure the wheel before alignment began so you knew it was right....digital is only as good as the tech pushing the buttons!
Gary

 

after they center the wheel before alignment, can it "move out" of alignment because they're wrenching on everything? Do they have to use something or someone to hold the wheel in place?

 

With a mechanic like that, you never know... that's like trusting me to take apart your transmission and put it back together.

Yes and no, depends on the tech and how they work. Some strap the steering wheel down, I've even seen a tool just for this, others don't need to do either.

 

I used a tool that hooked onto the steering wheel and pressed on the brake pedal keeping the wheel straight during alignment. Simple long spring tube with a padded hook on one end and a cap on the other end. Perfect for the job, my tech doesn't use one....Gary