1999 GMC Sierra Steering wheel 90 degrees after replacement

CALROB

MEMBER
1999 GMC SIERRA
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
135,000 MILES

I just had my pitman arm and idler arm replaced. My steering wheel is now 90 degrees when I am driving straight. The mechanic said I need an alignment now. Is it typical for the steering wheel to be that far off after replacement of the pitman arm? Will an alignment fix this problem or were the parts installed incorrectly?

Thanks

4 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

I can't see if the pitman arm is master splined, but as it is so far off center I feel it is not and they have set it up incorrectly, I would get them to inspect this first, but after any steering work, an alignment should be done.

Mark (mhpautos)

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 7:00 AM

CALROB

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I told the mechanic and he told me to bring it back because he might have put it in wrong. He said it is splined. He then said he fixed it and it would be only off a little and to get an alignment. It didn't change a bit after he said he fixed it. It is off just about 90 degrees.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 8:01 AM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

He must do it correctly, and alignment will not rectify this at 90 deg off center.

Mark

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 4:45 PM

CALROB

MEMBER
3 POSTS

This mechanic is sure it just needs alignment. I guess I will have to take it somewhere else and have them fix it. Too bad I had to pay to have it installed and they didn't do it right.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 5:42 PM