Oakes: Cure for steering wheel issues on alignment rack

I've decided that in 2021, my in-shop pet-peeve is the uncentered steering wheel. And much like my 2020 pet-peeve, that of someone opening their car door and contacting your vehicle, both are easily avoidable.

These issues usually occur in groupings — such as vehicle models "congregating" in your shop. You know what I'm talking about.

This week it could be a stampede of Mustangs in the bay; next month, you can have a Caravan day.

And this assembly has been going on far too long. It's time to set the record straight and help you, help your tech.

Sometimes the uncentered steering wheel can be caused by the tech not following through. A "set-the-toe and let-it-go" mindset can be a tech-imposed return to the shop: They didn't know how or didn't care to correct camber and/or caster settings (eccentric cams, slide the cradle).

Masters and ASE A4, alike, are guilty. Then, there are the true alignment professionals who are left scratching their heads, double-checking, triple checking the vehicle, set-up, specs and affected alignment components.

They just can't get a decent FEA the first time.

What's a tech to do? Blame the aligner!

Is it the camera? Corrupted specs? Maybe the boom isn't in perfect sync with the targets?

Well, it could be any one of those things. But 99% of the time, it has nothing to do with the tech or the aligner. It's the rack. And I'm not talking about proving the level.

Let's start with the fundamentals: check out the turntables.

It has everything to do with rack basic maintenance focusing on the front and rear turntables — especially the front units. They are not getting the basic care and feeding they deserve, letting you know their distress by throwing that steering wheel off-center.

Contrary to popular belief, turntable plates are supposed to move with the slightest touch — no true force applied.

Vehicle assaults — such as driving over turntables unsecured (pins out/locks off), not removing plates while other services are performed (allowing service debris to enter units), parking the front tire half-on/half-off the turntables — are contributors to the function decline.

"But it's 'metal.' It's designed to handle the shop punishment."

The plates are constructed of a metal composite, but here's the crux: the ball bearings under the plate are plastic. That is, in and about 99% of those in service today.

That plastic cannot withstand continuous alignment use, let alone other service use and abuse. Over time the ball bearings will go south, out-of-round. That's a death-sentence for a straight steering wheel.

So, what's the fix? Besides not abusing the units in general repair situations, the plates need regular maintenance.

Clean trash that gets trapped between the plate and rack contact area; bearings should be inspected and replaced, when needed.

When it's time to exchange, just reach out to your favorite parts store or automotive supply rep for the kits. The better sets include the bearings, garters, and pins.

And make sure you clean the back of the plate, as well. Now, there's no excuse for re-racking a vehicle for centered steering wheel issues due to equipment error. Lesson learned.