An off-center steering wheel after an impact is due to a bent steering linkage. A hard-enough hit to bend a wheel is likely to bend a tie rod too. Replacement isn't very difficult. It is a common job for any suspension and alignment specialist. The job will include a four-wheel alignment.
This article:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/tie-rod-end-replacement
explains what is involved. Be aware they're pointing to the "outer tie rod end" for a car model similar to yours. They wear out faster than the inner tie rod end, but it's the inner one that bends easily in a crash. You'll see a jamb nut at the right end of that outer tie rod. The shaft continuing on to the right is the inner tie rod. A lot more time is involved in replacing those, and they are usually a little more expensive than the outers.
These photos show the tie rod ends from other models with similar steering systems. The area shown with the blue bracket is the section that commonly bends to absorb crash impacts.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Jan 9, 2022 at 5:42 PM
