How to center the steering wheel?

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Mike Kresser

Mike Kresser

Joined
Oct 21, 2016
Threads
7
Messages
32
Location
Southwest Ohio
Newbie here...I have a 1980 BJ40 with manual (no power) steering that tracks great and steers great. All tie rod ends seem to be nice and tight and greased. All of which I guess makes me kinda lucky!

The only issue is that when driving down the road the steering wheel is off center to the left by about 45 degrees. Truck isn't pulling or anything. Just hummus along with the steering wheel pointed west. If I let go of the wheel it stays nice and straight on the road.

So, how do I center the steering wheel?

I was thinking that I could do some adjusting on the relay rod? or maybe just pull the steering wheel off and shift it to the right on the shaft?
 
The correct way is with the relay rod. The steering box should be centered in it's travel, when the steering wheel is centered, they are made to be slightly tighter, have less play, there. This is assuming that the steering hasn't been messed with, is in the correct place.
 
There are two adjustments that effect the wheel centering: The relay rod and the drag link. When both are adjusted properly, the steering box and the center arm will both be in the middle of their travel and the steering wheel will be centered and the truck will be going straight ahead. Fist start with the wheels pointed straight and then verify tha the center arm is centered. If not, adjust the drag link. Then adjust the relay rod until the wheel is centered and then verify that you get the same number of turns L and R.
 
Thanks all for the quick replies. To adjust the relay rod do I take the cotter key/nut off and knock the tie-rod ends out and then turn the ends themselves, or can I just loosen the end clamps and rotate the entire rod (with the ends still in place?)
 
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