Steering Wheel Out of Alignment
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 360
Likes: 2
From: Double Oak, TX
Steering Wheel Out of Alignment
Does anyone else have this problem? It was like this when I bought the car. The wheel is turned about an 1/8 to the right, when the front wheels are straight.
Is there an easy way to fix this, or will an alignment shop have to do it? Can I just disconnect the steering shaft by the firewall and relocate the wheel? Is there any potential for damage to the airbags by doing this? :confused:
Is there an easy way to fix this, or will an alignment shop have to do it? Can I just disconnect the steering shaft by the firewall and relocate the wheel? Is there any potential for damage to the airbags by doing this? :confused:
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,994
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, WV
Re: Steering Wheel Out of Alignment (edwards)
don't fool with this yourself. If the wheel is crooked it has either been damaged or it has been aligned carelessly. One other possibility is that someone MAY have had the wheel off and reinstalled it incorrectly but it's not as likely. If you try it yourself you wont get it correct because the TOE has to be adjusted and that's not a job many of us can do at home. At the price of our tires it's best to let the pro do it. Get with some freinds to see who in your area can do a good job that KNOWS Vettes :seeya
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Downers Grove IL
Re: Steering Wheel Out of Alignment (vettmech)
I just had my 1996 alined because my wheel was off as well. NOW ITS WORSE! I have to take it back there as well. Its all to do with front end alignment I think. There is a way to turn the wheel as well. Once I took my other Vette in for warranty service and complained of thesame thing. The service guy asked what way the wheel was off. he lifted the car took a wrench and fiddled with something for about 30 seconds under the car and it was as straight as an arrow from then on.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 360
Likes: 2
From: Double Oak, TX
Re: Steering Wheel Out of Alignment (WhiteIce)
Hhhmmmm. Thanks for the reply's. I don't have an alignment problem. I've had the car for over two years, and it tracks incredibly straight. No tire wear, except very slight outside burn from autocrossing.
I guess I could try a dealer.
I guess I could try a dealer.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 3
From: Austin, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Houston, Dallas, Hong Kong, Elgin, etc.. Texas
Re: Steering Wheel Out of Alignment (edwards)
First, if you have ever removed the steering wheel, you will find out its difficult to install it off. There are matching spots on the wheel and shaft to help you put in on correctly.
Second, if you had it aligned by a shop, take it back and complain. This is part of the alignment procedure.
Thirds, if you want to fix it yourself, it is pretty easy to do. For an 1/8th off turned to the left, that means when you position the steering wheel straight, both front tires are pointed right. Loosen the tie rod jam nuts and adjust each side equally. To help you remember the starting point, put a dab of white paint on tie rod. Turn the right side tie rod end clockwise 1/2 turn. The left side, turn it 1/2 turn counterclockwise. As long as both tie rods are turned the same, your alignment will be fine. Tighten both jam nuts and test drive.
[Modified by Mez, 11:20 AM 10/21/2002]
Second, if you had it aligned by a shop, take it back and complain. This is part of the alignment procedure.
Thirds, if you want to fix it yourself, it is pretty easy to do. For an 1/8th off turned to the left, that means when you position the steering wheel straight, both front tires are pointed right. Loosen the tie rod jam nuts and adjust each side equally. To help you remember the starting point, put a dab of white paint on tie rod. Turn the right side tie rod end clockwise 1/2 turn. The left side, turn it 1/2 turn counterclockwise. As long as both tie rods are turned the same, your alignment will be fine. Tighten both jam nuts and test drive.
[Modified by Mez, 11:20 AM 10/21/2002]
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Re: Steering Wheel Out of Alignment (edwards)
Hhhmmmm. Thanks for the reply's. I don't have an alignment problem. I've had the car for over two years, and it tracks incredibly straight. No tire wear, except very slight outside burn from autocrossing.
I guess I could try a dealer.
I guess I could try a dealer.
I get mine done every year and have over 28000 miles on front tires and should get another 5 to 8000. This is one of those $70.00 things that will save you money in the long run and increase your driving pleasure
Jack
