Truck alignment issues..need help

[gride]

I had my tires rotated, balanced, and had my alignment checked. They adjusted it and said bc of my 20" rims on an '04 Yukon that in order to be properly aligned my steering wheel has to stay cocked counter clockwise a few inches. Basically to go straight my wheel is turned slightly left. Is this completely incorrect?

[AirTool]

there are tricks in the alignment to offset a hard to align truck. The chevy's are known for having to compromise pull vs, wear, vs. everything. It is never perfect. I've found my tahoe is affected more by then wind and road crown than anything. I've gone straight one way down a FLAT parking lot with the wheel turned one way....then had to turn it the other way on the way back. That is due to wind. Similar problem with road crown. A lot of it is caused by the fact 4x4s have low steering ratios so the wheel might have to turn 90 degrees just to offset wind and there is also a valve in the power steering pump that bleeds pressure back as a function of speed....speed sensitive steering basically. I'm not sure that helps the problems or hurts it. Look at the bottom of the pump and you'll see a switch with wires going to it.

But your guy should have been able to crank over both tie rod adjusters to get the steering wheel straight.

Next he is going to tell you he has to pull the steering wheel off like a firestone guy told me back in the 80's.

[Nautiquehunter]

The location of the steering wheel has nothing to do with the alignment. I can put the steering wheel in any position and never affect the front end.
Airtool is right with his post there are many factors involved with getting it right. If you put bigger tires on it that will change everything. When you set the alignment you are actually setting the wheel angles off of vertical and they may be toed in or out as needed . The idea is to have everything straight when the truck is moving. Because of road friction it pulls the wheels back as you go forward. Bigger tires have more drag and causes more deflection in the suspension. You need to find a well seasoned alignment tech experienced with modified trucks. Its doubtful you will find one at a tire store.

[gride]

Thanks. Glad to know this stuff. Would it be rude of me to tell them they don't know what they are talking about? Probably just gonna go to the dealer if they seem to have some knowledge after a short quiz.

[AirTool]

I avoid "dealers" because it is like a fast food restaurant experience. You walk up to the counter and give your order....then somebody you never see and maybe even the waiter never sees cooks your food and sticks it in the bag.

I prefer something like Starbucks or a BBQ line where you talk to the actual person that prepares your product.

I suggest you find a dedicated "alignment" shop that does mostly front end work or a small "everything" shop that has a good alignment guy. Ask to talk to him in person. I suspect the guy that does mine has done over a 1000 Chevy 4x4s.

[gride]

Gmc service manager just told me the wheels position DOES have to do with alignment. I fn hate misinformation, regardless of who's giving it.

[AirTool]

Gmc service manager just told me the wheels position DOES have to do with alignment. I fn hate misinformation, regardless of who's giving it.

I think you misunderstood us. Here it is clearly:

"The relative position of the steering wheel can be directly affected by changes made during the alignment process."

Now here is the part that you are looking for:

"After the technician properly aligns the vehicle, the steering wheel should be in the "straight" position when the wheels are in the "straight" position."

[gride]

Got it fixed. The guy who didn't is not certified yet. Today, they had a guy with 19 years experience fix it and now it's all good. I went over my concerns with him and he straightened it out. Thanks for the input though fellas.