Just got new trans installed in my 97 Park Ave and now the steering wheel is noticeably off center when driving on straight road. The car does not pull in either direction - which I think is good. I am wondering if this is a simple alignment issue or can it be something more serious? All comments welcome - thanks

Proubably simple allignment issue, as you say.

I'm wondering how it happened from a trannie replacement. Unless they did an allignment as a procedure to re-assemble.
Check your tire pressures for 30psi all around just to be sure.

If it were me, it would drive me nuts unless the steering wheel is a bit more comfortable, but even then I would be bothered enough to have it re-alligned.

If your lucky and had the work been done professionally they could reset the track to coenside with the steering wheel. I know it may be as little as just a quarter turn on the tierods.

Good Luck

Thanks for the info. I am just worried that the cradle is not aligned. I undestand that to remove the trans you have to lower the engine cradle. I brought the car back this morning and explained the problem. I hope they try to fix the problem and not give me the run-around.

Just got the car back from the repair facility (a GM Dealer). They fixed the steering wheel and now it is centered. I asked the service manager what was done and he could only tell me that the tech centered the wheel so I dont know if it was wheel alignment or cradle alignment or something else.

The new trans is great though. It is a GM SERTA trans, a 4t65e with 3 year 50K mile warranty. It shifts beautifully.