Steering alignment after cam install
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 14
From: Odessa TX
Pulled the coupler off the rack, and rotated the wheels. Then I realized there was no way that it was an issue of not having the wheel straight when the steering coupler was reattached. One revolution of the rack will point the wheels like 15 degrees in either direction. Very visibly not straight.
To clarify, my steering is off by ~5 degrees, not my wheels/hub. So instead of the steering wheel being at 12 o'clock and the car going straight, it's actually at like 12:30 now. Ride height was not touched, nor was tie rod ends or steering wheel while the rack was off.
And it's not a matter of whether I can financially afford an alignment. If the minor misalignment of the steering wheel doesn't effect my safety (ABS/TC/AH/Air bag malfunctions) or suspension geometry then I can wait to do it.
To clarify, my steering is off by ~5 degrees, not my wheels/hub. So instead of the steering wheel being at 12 o'clock and the car going straight, it's actually at like 12:30 now. Ride height was not touched, nor was tie rod ends or steering wheel while the rack was off.
And it's not a matter of whether I can financially afford an alignment. If the minor misalignment of the steering wheel doesn't effect my safety (ABS/TC/AH/Air bag malfunctions) or suspension geometry then I can wait to do it.
Last edited by onspeed; Jan 6, 2013 at 03:20 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,153
Likes: 892
From: South Western Ontario
As I've already stated 2 TIMES, the rack being shifted at the rack mount bolts is the ONLY possible thing that could cause such a small change in the steering wheel position. Either loosen the rack mount bolts and try to shift the rack to the right or equally adjust both tie rod ends but lengthen one and shorten the other to make the wheel straight again.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 14
From: Odessa TX
As I've already stated 2 TIMES, the rack being shifted at the rack mount bolts is the ONLY possible thing that could cause such a small change in the steering wheel position. Either loosen the rack mount bolts and try to shift the rack to the right or equally adjust both tie rod ends but lengthen one and shorten the other to make the wheel straight again.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,153
Likes: 892
From: South Western Ontario
Yes, I have removed the rack before. Maybe your car is different but mine had a slot on one bolt and a round hole on the other. It's certainly wasn't a precision fit that had 0 play.
If you don't want to mess with the rack mounting then just adjust the tie rods.
If you don't want to mess with the rack mounting then just adjust the tie rods.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Siloam Springs AR
No way there is 1/8-1/4 inch of play unless your round mount is hogged out. The slotted hole is not for adjustment it is to allow for tolerances in the mounting bracket on the rack.
You can pry and pull on the rack if you want but you are just going to introduce more slop in the mount flange.
You can pry and pull on the rack if you want but you are just going to introduce more slop in the mount flange.
Last edited by The Void; Feb 22, 2013 at 06:58 PM.
