I recently took my truck in for its annual Virginia state safety inspection. The truck was driving just fine, alignment was good but I was told I needed a new tie rod end on the drivers side due to wear and tear.

I purchased the OEM tie rod end and had the mechanic install it and then do a 4 wheel alignment. I got the car back and the steering wheel is a little off center to the left (the same side that had the tie rod replaced). The attached pic shows it fairly well. I phoned the mechanic and mentioned the wheel was off center that maybe part of the alignment was off (maybe the toe in?). He said the alignment was good, truck was tracking nice and straight, they just needed to adjust the steering wheel back to center.

I have had several alignments done on this truck and never had this issue with the steering wheel. What gives? I'm confused

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1999 ML 430