Re-centering Steering Rack?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
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Re-centering Steering Rack?
Hi,
Anyone have good advice for properly centering a steering rack?
The rack was loose at purchase and my steering wheel is off center. I'd like to center it up, but haven't been able to find instructions in the service manual.
Thanks,
John
Anyone have good advice for properly centering a steering rack?
The rack was loose at purchase and my steering wheel is off center. I'd like to center it up, but haven't been able to find instructions in the service manual.
Thanks,
John
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
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How far off center? Generally speaking the steering wheel is centered by a "toe adjustment" in an alignment operation!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
You just need to make sure that it's done properly. If you only asked that the steering wheel be centered a "less than competent" operator could likely accomplish the centering using only a single side tie rod adjustment. If you've got equal turns from center to lock left and right it will/should require adjustment of both sides. I wouldn't be to concerned about this happening but I thought I'd mention.
You mentioned the rack was loose. Loose at it's mounting points, tie rods weren't tight or maybe the intermediate shaft was not secured?
Last edited by WVZR-1; Oct 31, 2012 at 11:47 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
If the wrong rack was installed, it would do that.
To fix it, either change the rack, or change the steering shaft position on the upper joint.
It could just be aligning the shaft.
To fix it, either change the rack, or change the steering shaft position on the upper joint.
It could just be aligning the shaft.
Team Owner
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Since there is no adjustment to position the rack body, the next likely adjustment would be to pull the steering wheel and relocate to a center position.
IMHO it would be prudent to determine WHY the wheel is off center, first.
A visit to a local shop with an alignment machine would be advised.
IMHO it would be prudent to determine WHY the wheel is off center, first.
A visit to a local shop with an alignment machine would be advised.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
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