Centering a steering wheel
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Did you ever have this problem: you're driving down the road, the vehicle is going straight, but the steering wheel is half-cocked to the right and the signal lights will only cancel properly one way, and you have to hand cancel them the other way? This is an easy fix and will only take you a half hour of your time, and it will seem like witchcraft after you're done with the job. | Did you ever have this problem: you're driving down the road, the vehicle is going straight, but the steering wheel is half-cocked to the right and the signal lights will only cancel properly one way, and you have to hand cancel them the other way? This is an easy fix and will only take you a half hour of your time, and it will seem like witchcraft after you're done with the job. | ||
| − | == | + | {{develop}} |
| − | + | ==Rack and pinion steering gear== | |
| + | '''Quick fix''' | ||
| + | Some steering racks do have a high point on center like a recirculating ball-type steering gear. The best way to get it right is to disconnect the steering column from the rack. | ||
| + | |||
| + | #Set the toe in. | ||
| + | #Point the front wheels exactly straight ahead. | ||
#Disconnect the outer tie rod ends. | #Disconnect the outer tie rod ends. | ||
| − | #Move the rack full left-to-right and count the turns | + | #Mark the input shaft with a line so the turns can be easily counted. |
| + | #Move the rack full left-to-right and count the turns of the input shaft. | ||
#Go back 1/2 that number and the rack is now centered. | #Go back 1/2 that number and the rack is now centered. | ||
#Put the steering wheel straight in the car, and reconnect the steering linkage to the rack input shaft. | #Put the steering wheel straight in the car, and reconnect the steering linkage to the rack input shaft. | ||
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You can then make minor corrections to get the steering wheel exactly straight in the car. If you do all this properly, the rack will be centered, the steering wheel spokes will be straight and the turn signals will cancel properly. | You can then make minor corrections to get the steering wheel exactly straight in the car. If you do all this properly, the rack will be centered, the steering wheel spokes will be straight and the turn signals will cancel properly. | ||
| + | '''NOTE:''' | ||
| + | If the steering wheel has an indexed spline and the steering wheel can only go on in one position, the centering must be done by using the tie rod sleeves. Loosen the clamps and turn them an equal amount in the correct direction to center the wheel. Be sure to turn them equally or the toe in will be off. Tighten the clamps when you're done. | ||
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| + | {{youcanedit}} | ||
[[Category:Steering]] | [[Category:Steering]] | ||
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