Steering wheel alignment

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Dec 14, 2015 | 09:06 AM

golfboy

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From: Ellenton, Florida

Steering wheel alignment

The steering wheel on my 78 Pace Car is not centered. How do I go about getting it aligned properly?

Dec 14, 2015 | 09:11 AM

toobroketoretire

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From: Great Plains Iowa

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfboy

The steering wheel on my 78 Pace Car is not centered. How do I go about getting it aligned properly?

Assuming the steering wheel hub was indexed correctly you'll have to make small corrections at your tie rods.

Dec 14, 2015 | 10:20 AM

mikem350

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From: Sunrise FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by toobroketoretire

Assuming the steering wheel hub was indexed correctly you'll have to make small corrections at your tie rods.

If you have not done this before be aware that changing tie rods affects the toe in adjustment. Any alignment place can do it, and I know I will get flamed for telling you this.

This is an easy adjustment once its on the alignment rack IF the tech is competent. You can say leave the toe as is, just center the wheel. Or better get latest specs from this site.

Last edited by mikem350; Dec 14, 2015 at 10:21 AM.

Dec 14, 2015 | 10:45 AM

AirborneSilva

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From: Titusville Florida

Why not just take the steering lose at the rag joint and center it, then there's no chance of screwing up your alignment... Just a thought

Dec 14, 2015 | 10:51 AM

SH-60B

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From: Meriden CT

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirborneSilva

Why not just take the steering lose at the rag joint and center it, then there's no chance of screwing up your alignment... Just a thought

Never do that. The steering wheel is indexed to the steering box. You won't have the same turning radius left and right.

Dec 14, 2015 | 10:56 AM

AirborneSilva

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From: Titusville Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by SH-60B

Never do that. The steering wheel is indexed to the steering box. You won't have the same turning radius left and right.

Sorry, that makes no sense, if you take it lose from the steering box and turn the steering shaft to center the wheel it is completely loose from the steering box and has no effect on it...

Dec 14, 2015 | 11:02 AM

SH-60B

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From: Meriden CT

It will drive straight, it won't have the same turns center to full left as center to full right. Center the wheel, then adjust the tie rods to get the wheels straight. Don't Bubba your vette.

Dec 14, 2015 | 11:07 AM

leadfoot4

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From: Western NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by SH-60B

It will drive straight, it won't have the same turns center to full left as center to full right. Center the wheel, then adjust the tie rods to get the wheels straight. Don't Bubba your vette.

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Dec 14, 2015 | 11:12 AM

AirborneSilva

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From: Titusville Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by SH-60B

It will drive straight, it won't have the same turns center to full left as center to full right. Center the wheel, then adjust the tie rods to get the wheels straight. Don't Bubba your vette.

You've not explained how it is "bubba" if you completely isolate the steering shaft from the steering box.

Dec 14, 2015 | 11:19 AM

#10

SH-60B

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From: Meriden CT

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirborneSilva

You've not explained how it is "bubba" if you completely isolate the steering shaft from the steering box.

That's exactly the reason, you have separated them, they are no longer aligned properly. Sorry, I only speak English, I can't really explain it any better.

Dec 14, 2015 | 11:25 AM

#11

SH-60B

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From: Meriden CT

Google it, you can find a better explanation

Last edited by SH-60B; Dec 14, 2015 at 11:27 AM.

Dec 14, 2015 | 11:33 AM

#12

Peterbuilt

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The correct way to do it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfboy

The steering wheel on my 78 Pace Car is not centered. How do I go about getting it aligned properly?

If the tie rod ends are installed correctly then turn each sleeve an equal amount in the same direction to center the steering wheel.

Dec 14, 2015 | 11:35 AM

#13

SH-60B

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From: Meriden CT

No you're right go, ahead and remove and replace your steering wheel, Bubba.

Dec 14, 2015 | 11:36 AM

#14

AirborneSilva

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From: Titusville Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by SH-60B

No you're right go, ahead and remove and replace your steering wheel, Bubba.

I did't say anything about the removing the steering wheel! You need to learn to read...

EDIT: Let me see if I can explain it for the mentally handicapped. So if you remove your steering column and there is nothing wrong with your alignment, then when you put the steering column back in the car you don't screw with the tie rods to get your wheel straight do you? No, when you connect the steering shaft to the steering box you ensure the wheel is straight then. How will that effect your turning radius?

Last edited by AirborneSilva; Dec 14, 2015 at 11:40 AM.

Dec 14, 2015 | 11:39 AM

#15

SH-60B

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From: Meriden CT

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirborneSilva

I did't say anything about the removing the steering wheel! You need to learn to read...

Doesn't matter which end you do it from. You need to learn how to think, lol!

Dec 14, 2015 | 11:44 AM

#16

AirborneSilva

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From: Titusville Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by SH-60B

Doesn't matter which end you do it from. You need to learn how to think, lol!

Okay mr thinker, you're so damn smart then explain how my way will screw up the turn radius... You can't because you can only call names, what a coward!

Dec 14, 2015 | 11:46 AM

#17

SH-60B

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From: Meriden CT

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirborneSilva

So point out where the OP took his steering column out

Dec 14, 2015 | 11:49 AM

#18

AirborneSilva

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From: Titusville Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by SH-60B

So point out where the OP took his steering column out

It was an example, I have at least made an attempt to tell you my train of thought, you have only told me I'm wrong and have not explained yourself. You're wasting me time, it's like trying to talk to a brick wall that already knows everything...