Off-centre steering wheel

[Ty]

How do i adjust the steering wheel so that it is straight?

Just had the steering box replaced, and after i showed the mechanic how to adjust the play i sort of lost all confidence in his abilities, so i'd rather finish the job myself.

Cheers,

ty

[kaistuff]

Ty

First make sure the wheels are straight.
then pull the steering wheel of (the nut is the same size as your wheel nuts SW 27mm and a basic bearing puller will do the job)
then put it back on the way you want replace the nut just so you don't pull the wheel of the spine wile driving up the road to see if it is straight. If OK do the nut up and your done

10 min top's for the job style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Kai

[Bushie]

Better option,

Lock the steering box with a 1/4 drill and get the steering wheel central by adjusting it at the steering shaft splines. Take it for a short drive (dont forget to remove the drill style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif ) the bring the steering wheel back to centre by adjusting the draglink (not the tie-rod). This will make sure the box is right relative to the self centreing ability (apparently very few are correct from the factory) You may have to adjust a couple of times to get it spot on.

Steering place explained it to me when I replaced my box, steering feels good and self centres very well, whats more its easier to do than explain.


Bushie

[DEFENDERZOOK]

you should also check that the steering box is centralised first before you adjust the draglink..........otherwise you may have one and a half turns to one lock and three to the opposite lock.....

from memory there are three and a quarter or three and a half turns from lock to lock.....

it is a very quick and easy job to do.....a 10mm spanner and a set of multigrips......

[rick130]

POWER STEERING BOX - ADJUST
Service repair no - 57.35.01
WARNING: Adjustments of steering box
should not be required while in warranty
period. If box is stiff or tight and within
warranty, it must be returned to manufacturer. No
attempt must be made to introduce backlash.
1. Apply park brake brake, chock wheels and Jack
up front of vehicle until wheels are clear of
ground.
2. Support chassis front on axle stands.
3. Disconnect drag link from steering drop arm.
4. Check torque to turn See Fault diagnosis,
Stiff Steering Checklist.
5. Centralise steering box See Centralise
Steering Box.
NOTE: Only check for no backlash when
steering box is in central position.
NOTE: If steering wheel is not straight, it
should be repositioned See Repair,
Steering Wheel.
6. Adjustment is obtained by rocking the drop arm
about centre whilst an assistant slowly tightens
the steering box adjuster screw.
7. Tighten locknut when all backlash has been
removed.
8. Repeat the check for backlash. If backlash exists
loosen locknut and repeat adjustment
procedure.
9. Turn steering wheel lock to lock and check no
tightness exists.
10. Ensure front wheels are aligned and in straight
ahead position.
11. Adjust drag link 924 mm between ball joint
centres.
12. Connect drag link and tighten to 40 Nm (30
lbf/ft).
13. Lower vehicle to ground level and remove
chocks.
14. Road test vehicle See Fault diagnosis, Road
Test Procedure.
Drag link adjust
1. RH drive vehicles - if steering wheel is to right,
drag link is too long. If steering wheel is to left
drag link is too short.
LH drive vehicles - if steering wheel is to right,
drag link is too short. If steering wheel is to left
drag link is too long.
2. Adjust drag link until steering wheel points
straight ahead when vehicle is travelling in a
straight line.
CENTRALISE STEERING BOX
Service repair no - 57.35.05
LH drive vehicle
1. Disconnect drag link from drop arm See Repair,
Drag link and drag link ends.
2. Turn steering wheel on full RH lock.
3. Turn steering wheel back exactly two turns.
4. Fit drag link See Repair, Drag link and drag
link ends.
RH drive vehicle
1. Repeat operation for LH drive vehicle but turn
steering wheel on full LH lock.

[Rosco]

Ty

Here's an even simpler solution. Take it to someone to have the alignment checked. While they're at it they can do that at the same time.

As long as the box is centered it's a simple job when they adjust the toe-in.

Cheers