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synthium
22nd August 2014, 07:28 PM
Hi everyone. My universal steering joint came loose and I tightened it up. Now the steering isn't centred (have to hold it to the left). I centred the road wheels and had someone hold the steering wheel while I undid the universal joint bolt. Then I had them centre the wheel while I tighten it. Didn't seem to make a difference once I started driving - same problem. Any advice?
JDNSW
22nd August 2014, 08:50 PM
It sounds as if the universal joint was loose enough to jump a tooth, which is rather scary.

Simplest thing is to get the wheels straight and remove the steering wheel and put it back on straight, but I would have a good look at the fit of the splines on the U-joint and replace it if there is any doubt. This is not something you want to be doubtful about.

John
synthium
2nd September 2014, 02:29 PM
I have underdone the universal joint - when the bolt is tightened it does not skip. I attempted to recentre the steering last night - made sure the wheels were straight and had a friend hold the steering (which was left hand down) while I undid the universal joint. Once disconnected I recentred the steering without the tyres moving position. Then tightened the joint back up.

Did this 3 times and each time it was back to the same position when I drove - left hand down and not centred) despite the universal joint looking to be in a different position.

I am not sure really where to go from here! any advice appreciated
synthium
2nd September 2014, 02:31 PM
Perhaps a wheel alignment is all it needs?
rar110
3rd September 2014, 11:29 AM
You could undo the steering wheel and move it around on the spline.
synthium
3rd September 2014, 12:04 PM
Yes I could probably just move the steering. However took it for a wheel alignment at a chain wheel and tyre place and they were unable to do an alignment - they said the adjusters had seized and that they needed an oxy to undo it and therefore it was beyond their ability.
rar110
3rd September 2014, 01:33 PM
Yes I could probably just move the steering. However took it for a wheel alignment at a chain wheel and tyre place and they were unable to do an alignment - they said the adjusters had seized and that they needed an oxy to undo it and therefore it was beyond their ability.

Try penetrating oil over a couple of days.