best way to center steering wheel?

[e9999]

my steering wheel is not straight and it's bugging me...
what's the best way to do this without messing up the wheel alignment
you just rotate the relay rod tube or one of the relay rod ends?
if so, any idea how much the steering wheel moves per turn of the rod/ends?
thanks
Eric

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

>Set your tires as straight as possible
>Unlock your steering (turn key on)
>Loosen the rod end clamp where the drag link meets the steering arm
>Loosen the rod end clamp where the drag link meets the knuckle
>Twist the drag link until the steering wheel is straight
>Tighten rod end clamps and drive it
>Some small adjustment may be necessary a second time but you will be close the first time

Phil

 

[Junk]

Phil is spot on with the above post. Doesn't take long, but is much easier with one person at the wheeel and one down below.

Make sure you always do a test drive after and recheck it for safety.

 

[Chris_Geiger]

When I replaced my relay rod, I left the jam nuts loose. Then I took it for a ride. After a couple blocks, I jumped out and made a quick adjustment. Drove a bit, and adjust it again. Then I tightened nuts.

 

[e9999]

Phil, what you call the drag link, is that the relay rod?
If so, when you rotate it, it unscrews from one rod end and screws in the other so just moves laterally?
E

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

[quote author=e9999 link=board=2;threadid=15639;start=msg148497#msg148497 date=1083379669]
Phil, what you call the drag link, is that the relay rod?
If so, when you rotate it, it unscrews from one rod end and screws in the other so just moves laterally?
E
[/quote]

The tech name might be "relay rod" but it's the link between the steering arm and the PS knuckle. One end of the is left hand threads and the other is right so you do not remove anything by twisting the drag link/relay rod it moves in and out in doing so it rotates the steering wheel.

Phil

 

[e9999]

hmmm... actually my last question above was nonsensical. If the relay rod would just move laterally over the rod ends, it wouldn't make any difference. It's gotta get longer or shorter to move the steering wheel....
oh well...
E

 

[Junk]

don't worry e, we don't expect much from you

 

[e9999]

good, wouldn't want to disappoint you, Junk, that would break my heart...!

BWAHAHAHAHA!



E

 

[landtank]

From what I've read, don't expect to be able to easily rotate that rod on the tie rods. SOme have just ordered a new assembly from Slee before attempting any adjustement.

 

[xl715]

I used a LARGE pair of channel locks, I also use the same pair to compress brake caliper pistons when doing pads!! I had no problem turning my rod with these pliers. Good luck.

 

[e9999]

I've got some large pipe wrenches with like 18" or 28" handle. I would think that should do it. I assume the relay rod is not exactly fragile.
E

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

[quote author=landtank link=board=2;threadid=15639;start=msg148676#msg148676 date=1083407156]
From what I've read, don't expect to be able to easily rotate that rod on the tie rods. SOme have just ordered a new assembly from Slee before attempting any adjustement.
[/quote]

In Arizona you just loosen it and turn it with your hand