When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Steering wheel slightly turn to the left after alignment and the alignment shop says that the caster setting can't really be brought into spec very easily. The compensated for the steering wheel being slightly to the left by adjusting the toe on both wheels. Now the steering wheel is straight but it still doesn't matter because traction control is kicking it when I go through a corner or drive just a little tiny bit spirited. I have to drive like Miss Daisy to avoid it kicking in. No obd codes. No broken wires. Sensors all work. The car is almost unusable. See attached. What do I do?
Agree with leadfoot there....
Adjusting each tie rod is the common and preferred solution to a crooked steering wheel. No need to go through the entire process again.
But the large spread in caster would typically cause a pull, that might have been the real cause of the crooked steering wheel to begin with.
I've never seen a steering angle sensor far enough out of calibration from a wheel alignment to cause issues, but there is probably a recalibration process recommended.
I can't imagine that alone being the cause of the TC issues... was other work done at the same time? Anything with the interior?
I installed my yaw sensor into the bracket backwards once. Tried to crash me off the road....
Regardless, find a shop that isn't afraid to fix things.
There's a REASON the caster is out of spec, If they didn't want to fix it, they should at least be able to tell you WHY it's out of spec.
Let us know what you find!
I've never seen a steering angle sensor far enough out of calibration from a wheel alignment to cause issues, but there is probably a recalibration process recommended.
Might be worth looking into the centering of the SWPS (steering wheel position sensor) vs the steering wheel center. You need a Tech 2 or equivalent to check. FYI there is no "calibration" for 2001-2004 models (I believe OP has a 2004), but the SWPS could be removed, locking pin added, and SWPS reinstalled with steering wheel set centered.
After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels.
Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.
I pulled the rack to put a harmonic balancer. I used a broom handle to hold the steering wheel so it didn't ever turn at all for any reason no matter what any amount guaranteed. Using a scanner I prove no damage as a result of this repair. The problem is that the steering shaft was disconnected and reconnected to the rack. As a result the steering wheel was turned 5° to the left and they had to adjust to tie rods to get the steering wheel back to straight. Now it doesn't match this steering position sensor. Need to reprogram position sensor
I agree with a different shop. I recently replaced everything in my suspension and had it aligned at a shop that specializes in Corvettes. When done the wheel was oh so slightly to the left. They pulled it back to the right in the time of 10 minutes on the rack.
Wheel turned to left a little after alignment
