Steering wheel not centered.

[MAFDaddy]

My steering wheel looks like I'm in a constant slight right turn. I found out that by turning the wheel very hard to the right - to it's stop and then a little bit more, I can re-center the steering wheel. There is no loose play in the steering. It still responds immediately when I turn. This is good in that my wheel is now straight. But I can't help but wonder what is slipping? What's loose? Is it where the steering wheel attaches to the column or where the column/shaft attaches to the steering box? Or worse? Has anyone experienced this?

Thanks,
MAFDaddy
1997 Chevy Venture LS Extended

[cdru]

Your alignment is likely out of whack.

[ChoochCharlie]

That aint good. The wheel should be solid.
Get it checked is my advice.
Also, a low tire can cause this too.

[shazie]

Originally Posted by MAFDaddy

My steering wheel looks like I'm in a constant slight right turn. I found out that by turning the wheel very hard to the right - to it's stop and then a little bit more, I can re-center the steering wheel. There is no loose play in the steering. It still responds immediately when I turn. This is good in that my wheel is now straight. But I can't help but wonder what is slipping? What's loose? Is it where the steering wheel attaches to the column or where the column/shaft attaches to the steering box? Or worse? Has anyone experienced this?

Thanks,
MAFDaddy
1997 Chevy Venture LS Extended

it is a sign that your rack and pinion is going bad. I had this problem with my 98 venture. I did alignment and it was fine on the computer. when I turn to the left it do not come back to the center, but when I turn to the right it come back to the center. months later the steering became stiff I change the rack and my steering was fine again and it would center. a year later I notice the steering is not centering when I turn to the left again, but it center when I turn to the right. this is a new rack that I bought from autozone and install myself

[RNRea]

Not on a Venture, but on an old '86 Caravan: The alignment looked good, but the tech took it for a test drive (something made him suspicious) and he found that when he pulled a tight left turn the steering angle changed. Turns out that it was the rear suspension alignment. It had a wedge gizmo between the springs and axle to set alignment or something. That was a little loose. Replaced it with something more substantial and the problem was cured. Something to look at...

[MAFDaddy]

That's something I never would have though of. The rear alignment. I'll definitely have that checked out. Thanks!