front end alignment question

Ok guys, stupid question time.
Im making an appt for a front end alignment.
 Leading up to my question...., my steering wheel has never been centered (the spokes arent at 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00) its always been more like 4:30 and so on.
Will an alignment correct this?

Assuming the steering wheel is keyed properly to the steering shaft, the alignment should correct it. Adjusting the toe in/out is what aligns the steering wheel, provided the wheel is mounted right. There is a small mark on both the wheel hub, and the steering shaft, to align the wheel to the shaft. If the hub/wheel is removed, and not put back on correctly, it will not be centered while driving. If the car is aligned with the wheel off like that, it won't turn all the way in one direction.
Most good alignment folks will start the alignment by making sure the steering wheel is indexed properly. I would suggest that you at least let them know it is off when you take it in.

Thanks Joel!
I was going to tell them about it when I take it in but wanted to get some info here first.

 If the steering wheel is located correctly to the steering shaft a good alignment shop can center the wheel . Basically one side has the tie rods lenghtened and the other side shortened  . This was a common problem years ago but modern alignment machines setup on all 4 wheels as well as using a wheel holder in the cockpit to hold the wheel straight . There's no reason for a shop to leave a steering wheel crooked . If your shop does , find another shop .

Jeff, just so you know, you need to do the alignment on all 4 wheels.

I know a guy about 30 minutes from you that has a new Hunter alignment rack that will be at work on Saturday.

so I cant get the front done now and the rear at some other point?
Reason Im asking is that my front tires get chewed up on the outsides and want to remedy that. I dont want to destroy another set of tires this summer.
As for the rear, Im sure my trailing arms need redone and it would be impractical and probably impossible to line the rear up and I dont have the $$ for that right now.




|UPDATED|4/10/2013 3:17:06 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Where is this guy from, Rich?

York...can get the wheel straight if you need it...really on a car that may need bushings a tape measure will get the front toe pretty close and toe as well...haha!! Ideally the rear gets set first then the front...makes the car track straight and not dog track..your rear camber is pretty easy to get but the toe can be a bugger...sometimes by just adjusting the camber the toe can be brought in...but really doing the front toe is easy...the caster and camber is a patience tester though! IM me if you're up to it.

Jeff, Rich did mine and it drives and tracks great! Rodney