Steering Wheel Alignment

JustinMFox · Post by **JustinMFox** » Sat Oct 12, 13 6:25 pm

I've put the original steering wheel back on but it's not straight when the wheels are straight, see below, the position it's on is the only way it will go on properly, is it a case of getting the tracking done or is there anything else I can do ? Thanks

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Sat Oct 12, 13 7:15 pm

You could file the master spline, then the steering wheel can go on where ever you want it to.

When are we going to see some pics of your Charger Justin.

Mossy68 · Post by **Mossy68** » Sat Oct 12, 13 7:19 pm

Derek wrote:You could file the master spline, then the steering wheel can go on where ever you want it to.

Yep.
Had all tracking etc checked and mine was still as bad.
I was advised to do the same !

steveo · Post by **steveo** » Sat Oct 12, 13 10:03 pm

jack up front , support lower control arms on axle stands
inside car turn steering wheel from lock to lock noting how many turns it takes set steering wheel to the centre , ie same amount of turns each way ! steering wheel should be straight too ,

undo nut & split pin ( D ) both sides
undo clamps (B)
unpop/split outer track rod end ( C ) both sides & remove from lower ball joint arm, (E) , make sure the steering wheel is still centralised , not moved from above procedure

screw ( A ) steering arm tube / sleeve thingy so the same amount of threads showing on both inner track rod ends ( F ) then do same with outer track rod ends ( C) same amount of threads each side ,
then with a angle iron straight edge with a helper run it through the centre of both tyres , the tyres should be touching front & back each wheel , ( turn front wheel to adjust as nessary , repete both sides , that's setting the wheels parallel then with out moving the wheels , adjust the outer trackrod ends (C) by screwing them in or out on the steering arm sleeves (A) & screwing the sleeve (A) in or out on inner track rod end (F) so that the outer track rod end (C) fits back in (E) lower ball joint arm ,
screw the track rod ends in or out on the sleeves same both sides , aim for half the threads inside the sleeves minimum , DONT move wheels or steering centre link , to make it fit , once fitted tighten all bolts & clamps ,

steering wheel will be centralised & wheels parallel , now go get the tracking done , actually while your at that stage you can to the tracking there & then if you got some turn plates for the front wheels & by measuring a designated area on the tread then setting your favourite tow in or out ,

hope you can make sence of my rambling , sounded ok when typing

Mossy68 · Post by **Mossy68** » Sat Oct 12, 13 10:28 pm

Understood.
Cheers Steve

JustinMFox · Post by **JustinMFox** » Mon Oct 14, 13 6:32 pm

Thanks for the replies but isn't it a bit dangerous to start filing down the spline?

terryr · Post by **terryr** » Thu Oct 17, 13 8:06 pm

not a good idea,id have it tracked again,and if its power steering ,do it with the engine running ,as there is usually loads of slop without it running

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Thu Oct 17, 13 8:25 pm

You are only going to file one spline, I did mine at least 15 years ago and I've never had a problem.

Charger · Post by **Charger** » Thu Oct 17, 13 9:02 pm

Derek wrote:You could file the master spline

don’t do that, not necessary

do it Steve’s way

the only way it’s got like that is by being setup wrong in the first place

IMO better to put it right

but, before you start, have a look at how many threads are out of the sleeves, inner and outer, both sides, like Steve said …

Steveo wrote:aim for half the threads inside the sleeves minimum

they might be unequal, indicating the problem

if you’re lucky it might just be a case of turning the sleeves to toe in on one side and out on the other, exact same amount on each will keep your tracking the same but will centre up the steering wheel

I did this on mine when I got it, perfect now, but steering wheel was not out as much as yours

might still work for you though, good luck

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Thu Oct 17, 13 10:35 pm

Thats great info steveo and that pic very helpful aswell....got to be sticky material???

RobTwin · Post by **RobTwin** » Fri Oct 18, 13 1:52 am

Great thread Justin, very useful

Hope you dont mind but I've edited your original title to include 'Alignment', to help anyone looking for this kind of info in weeks/months/years to come

RoelB · Post by **RoelB** » Sun Oct 20, 13 10:54 am

Thanks Steveo, that is just where I am with the Roadrunner at the moment: a great help

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Sun Oct 20, 13 12:48 pm

It is VERY important with power steering that the wheels are straight when the steering box is centred exactly between lock to lock.

I agree you should not have to file anything if the parts are from the same car or even same year car in many cases.

Centre the steering box, THEN see where the steering wheel ends up. It should be straight and level. Then adjust the wheels to suit.

Mossy68 · Post by **Mossy68** » Sun Oct 20, 13 2:07 pm

Isn't there a hole you can put a drill bit in which pics up another hole at centre on the box ?

Bozwell · Post by **Bozwell** » Sun Oct 20, 13 2:10 pm

looks a lot more than just adjustment