Tested out the new tires, now steering wheel isn't straight

[Mikestang]

I had a blast today up on the fire roads behind my house test out the new Kumhos. Unfortunatelly, I forgot my camera, but I conquered this one rutted hill climb that bested me last time. It took me 4 tries, but I finally found my line and made it up. I'm sure that, if it weren't for ATRAC (and me having read here about how to use it), I'd of been stucked for sure, and being stuck alone is no fun. The tires handled all the terrain very well, from rocks to very very very fine powdery dirt. I even got into my first two-wheel stand, twice. There's something unnerving about teeter-tottering back and forth on two wheels while trying try navigate over the edge of a trail onto another very steep trail, but I guess the more it happens the more comfortable I'll feel with it. Next time I'll bring the camera.

But once I made it back onto the tarmac my steering wheel is cocked about 20* off. I just had the truck aligned last week, so I'm pretty pissed that this would happen after one trip off-road. The truck drives straight, no wobbles or vibrations, but the steering wheel is off. Is this an alignment thing, or is it like I read in that other thread, a "wheel position sensor" or something? I don't have any flashing lights on the dash or anything, just one cock-eyed steering wheel. I'm due for my 45k check @ the dealer (I have the extended warranty, so I have to go thru them to keep it valid), so I guess I'll have them look at it next week, but any input would be appreciated.

[AlexJet]

I had a blast today up on the fire roads behind my house test out the new Kumhos. Unfortunatelly, I forgot my camera, but I conquered this one rutted hill climb that bested me last time. It took me 4 tries, but I finally found my line and made it up. I'm sure that, if it weren't for ATRAC (and me having read here about how to use it), I'd of been stucked for sure, and being stuck alone is no fun. The tires handled all the terrain very well, from rocks to very very very fine powdery dirt. I even got into my first two-wheel stand, twice. There's something unnerving about teeter-tottering back and forth on two wheels while trying try navigate over the edge of a trail onto another very steep trail, but I guess the more it happens the more comfortable I'll feel with it. Next time I'll bring the camera.

But once I made it back onto the tarmac my steering wheel is cocked about 20* off. I just had the truck aligned last week, so I'm pretty pissed that this would happen after one trip off-road. The truck drives straight, no wobbles or vibrations, but the steering wheel is off. Is this an alignment thing, or is it like I read in that other thread, a "wheel position sensor" or something? I don't have any flashing lights on the dash or anything, just one cock-eyed steering wheel. I'm due for my 45k check @ the dealer (I have the extended warranty, so I have to go thru them to keep it valid), so I guess I'll have them look at it next week, but any input would be appreciated.


With IFS it happens all the time. As soon as you going for at least medium off-road the steering wheel is off center. IFS is to gentle to hold the off-road and remain in original position. Simple alignment will do the fix. I’m :pissed1: about this “feature” of IFS too. Every time after off-roading my next stop is alignment shop.

[bulldog]

Have the alignment checked. I have never had that issue with my IFS though, loosing alignment after a trip and I think few people have. I even hit a few rocks at speed with no issues. Maybe the alignment shop didn't tighten something properly????

[Mikestang]

I've used the same alignment guy for a long time, so I'm confident in the work he does, never had one problem on any of my vehicles. I musta just whacked something trying that one hill. When I was trying to get up it and had to reset, I'd back down for about 30' really slow, front wheels cranked trying to straighten out and get out of this rut, but it was so loose I'd just slide straight back. I'd image I could of pulled something outta whack doing that.

[AlexJet]

... I have never had that issue with my IFS though, loosing alignment after a trip...

May be you are not trying it to hard :lol: (joke) or you off-road in not rocky/deep forest terrain. My local places have a lot of small rocks and lugs on the trails, so alignment is off every time.

[bulldog]

Mike it is probabkly your alignment. One thiing to alwasy check is to watch cranking your steering very hard while standing still, especially in ruts or rocks. If a wheel is caught against a rock, log, bank all you end up doign with the power steering is messing up your alignment or in worse case breaking or bending something.

Alex, maybe you should try some finesse while offroading :P . Even trucks with solid axles break stuff due to a lack of finesse.

[Mikestang]

I dropped it off this morning, probably just like you said. Oh well, that's why I take these little trips, to learn stuff.

[Mikestang]

Toe was way outta whack, that was all. I won't be able to head back up there until after the Mojave trip, so pictures will have to wait a few weeks. Let's see if I can keep this thing together on Mojave Road, I'd hate to have to drive home 200 miles with a bad alignment.

[bulldog]

Yeah lets see if you can make it last this time. :lol:

Toe is the first thing to give problems when turning against an "obstacle".

[Mikestang]

The funny thing about this visit to the dealer - the greeter chick who takes down your info does a walk around my truck to check for scratches and stuff. I was like, "Don't bother, I take this thing off-road about every weekend, it's all scratched up." She said, "Really?!" like she couldn't believe someone actually took a $25k vehicle off-roading. She proceeded to walk around and point out every mark to me. I told her she shoulda seen it before I waxed it...

[AlexJet]

The funny thing about this visit to the dealer - the greeter chick who takes down your info does a walk around my truck to check for scratches and stuff. I was like, "Don't bother, I take this thing off-road about every weekend, it's all scratched up." She said, "Really?!" like she couldn't believe someone actually took a $25k vehicle off-roading. She proceeded to walk around and point out every mark to me. I told her she shoulda seen it before I waxed it...

Are you sure she was inspecting you truck… Looks like she was trying to let you know that she likes it and wouldn't mind to see the truck in action. :rotflmao: