Correcting an off Center Steering Wheel
Thread Starter
CF Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,262
Likes: 21
From: Palm City Florida
Correcting an off Center Steering Wheel
I had an alignment a few months ago. When I got the car back, my steering wheel was way off center. I brought it back and had it adjusted. This time, it was returned slightly off center. Is there an easy way for me to correct this myself? I believe the alignment is ok. I don't want this place messing with my car again. I may just end up paying for another alignment.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Not much help but.....find a new/better shop. A centered steering wheel is basic, no excuse for not getting it right......TWICE. Might ask for recommendations on the Southeast Forum. Good luck. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 940
Likes: 1
From: Long Island NY
Basically you need to make one tie rod longer and the other shorter the EXACT same amount to center the steering wheel without changing the amount of toe. Actually quite simple to do yourself, even though you shouldn't have to. If the steering wheel is only slightly off you are talking about a very tiny adjustment.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 854
From: Daytona Beach FL
with marc8090 - it's very simple to correct. I had a similar problem - after 2 visits to the dealer with no luck, I just fixed it myself.
If you ever find yourself up Daytona way just give me a holler. You can stop by my house an we'll have you fixed up in about 10 minutes!!
Bob
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 1
From: Edmond, OK
Basically you need to make one tie rod longer and the other shorter the EXACT same amount to center the steering wheel without changing the amount of toe. Actually quite simple to do yourself, even though you shouldn't have to. If the steering wheel is only slightly off you are talking about a very tiny adjustment.
with marc8090 - it's very simple to correct. I had a similar problem - after 2 visits to the dealer with no luck, I just fixed it myself.
If you ever find yourself up Daytona way just give me a holler. You can stop by my house an we'll have you fixed up in about 10 minutes!!
Bob
So, exactly how do you fix it? Is there a DIY on this? Can it be done by driving the car on ramps?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 940
Likes: 1
From: Long Island NY
Lets say that if you held the wheel centered the car went right, you would need to point the tires slightly to the left. Since the steering rack is ahead of the tires the left tie rod needs to be made longer, and the right shorter. Mark the tie rods, jamb nuts, and ends before you do anything. Loosen the jamb nuts, and turn the tie rods the proper direction. I just look at the pitch of threads and can figure out which way it needs to be turned. Usually it's only an 1/8 to a 1/4 turn or even less. Adjust both sides the same amount going longer on one and shorter on the other, tighten the jamb nuts, and take it around the block to see how it is. You'll know based on the steering wheel position if you need to go farther or if you went to much.
Thread Starter
CF Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,262
Likes: 21
From: Palm City Florida
with marc8090 - it's very simple to correct. I had a similar problem - after 2 visits to the dealer with no luck, I just fixed it myself.
If you ever find yourself up Daytona way just give me a holler. You can stop by my house an we'll have you fixed up in about 10 minutes!!
Bob
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
CF Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,262
Likes: 21
From: Palm City Florida
Lets say that if you held the wheel centered the car went right, you would need to point the tires slightly to the left. Since the steering rack is ahead of the tires the left tie rod needs to be made longer, and the right shorter. Mark the tie rods, jamb nuts, and ends before you do anything. Loosen the jamb nuts, and turn the tie rods the proper direction. I just look at the pitch of threads and can figure out which way it needs to be turned. Usually it's only an 1/8 to a 1/4 turn or even less. Adjust both sides the same amount going longer on one and shorter on the other, tighten the jamb nuts, and take it around the block to see how it is. You'll know based on the steering wheel position if you need to go farther or if you went to much.
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 3
From: Plano Texas
Basically you need to make one tie rod longer and the other shorter the EXACT same amount to center the steering wheel without changing the amount of toe. Actually quite simple to do yourself, even though you shouldn't have to. If the steering wheel is only slightly off you are talking about a very tiny adjustment.
