Steering Wheel Off Center

[presrco]

I have a 2001 Corolla Type S, ever since I bought this car the steering wheel is off center. It is going straight when the steering is off center. I took it to dealer when I bought it the first year, they told me that there is nothing wrong with the alignment but the steering wheel still off center. After a year, I took my car to a shop to get alignment checked they told me everything is good. I am wondering if others has the similar issues or an actual fix out there???

This is so far I found in this site but didn't download because of the subscription fee required. The document is called:

ST003-01 STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE


(Use google to find the file is faster)
Anyone can help me would be greatly appreciated.(or even download the file for me)

[Yellowtang]

I would say just pop the steering wheel off and put it back on centered, but I doubt if it's that easy. You know with the air bags and all that.

[fathan16]

my 03 steering wheel is off center and turns to the right, i haven't gotten an alignment since i got it but it doesn't seem to out of wack

[9phil9]

I had the same problem on my '06, and found the fix easy.
Jack the front end up, and put jack stands under the car to support it.
DO NOT under any circumstances crawl underneath the car unless you are absolutely sure the stands are stable.
I watched a friend get crushed by a car who thought the jack was enough.
That was the day I learned that stupid people die for stupid reasons.
Now if you're sure, then slide underneath, and look at the tie rod ends.
They have a large locking nut that holds the steering rods from rotating.
All you have to do is shorten one side, and lengthen the other.
In other words, screw the right side in a little bit, noting exactly how much you turn the rod, and then go to the left side, and screw it out a little.
It does not take much of a turn to move the steering wheel a lot. So easy does it.
Then before you let the car down, make sure both locking nuts are tight.
Try your setting out. If you are lucky, (I'm not.) you might only have to repeat this procedure a second time.
The reason both sides must be moved at the same time, is so that the toe-in remains the same.
If you change only one side, you will change the toe-in measurement.
BE CAREFUL! Have fun. And don't be stupid.

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

Sounds like you guys need to look at some new alignment shops...when you get an alignment, the steering wheel should come out perfectly centered. If I were you guys I'd talk to the manager and tell them to do it again.

if you dont want to deal with it, 9phil9 explained how you can fix it at home... but keep in mind this is less precise than a alignment machine, and who wants to climb under their car when they can go have an argument.

[hopsing]

Dingo has the right idea.
4 wheel alignment should fix it
I won't recomend adjusting it yourself unless you kinda know how

hopsing