steering wheel alignment ...

[Sword]

Hi,

When the wheels are pointing forward, our steering wheel is rotated about 20 degrees counter closkwise fron centre. This is also its "return-to" position while driving.

Its not a major prob but annoying for reaching the volume controls when motorway driving.

Is this a self repair or a service job? If self, what level and how

ta,
Sword

 

[e9999]

Hi S, I put up some numbers on that someplace - for the 80 though, but same idea. Little search?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

On the 100 you'll need an alignment. (R&P)

 

[100 TD]

So is there no spline on the LC wheel so you can remove the wheel and turn it one notch to square it up? That is if your alignment is actually correct.

On the 100 you'll need an alignment. (R&P)

 

[e9999]

On the 100 you'll need an alignment. (R&P)

yes, but it's still the same concept, I would think. Turn it the same amount -in the right direction so both wheels move in the same direction- on both sides or something like that, no?

 

[e9999]

So is there no spline on the LC wheel so you can remove the wheel and turn it one notch to square it up? That is if your alignment is actually correct.

probably not a great idea. No fine tuning and you don't want to futz around the airbag without being very careful.

 

[Jim_Chow]

If the vehicle tracks straight on the road when you let go of the steering wheel and the steering wheel is 20 deg off, it's probably not an alignment (toe-in) issue. I had a similar problem on my 03 with the wheel 5-10 deg to the left of center when the vehicle tracked straight on normal city streets (didn't notice it on the test drive since the road was inverted (lower in the center) so I was unknowingly turning the wheel 10 deg to the right to compensate). It turned out to be a VGRS ECU issue (dealer said the ecu was updated in later '03 since mine was one of the first 03's, and replaced it under warranty...$800 for the ecu alone), but upon checking the FSM, it seems it can be calibrated. My guess is the dealer needs to claim a part is faulty to bill the part + labor to warranty. Anyways, since the 02 doesn't have the VGRS, the remedy will likely be different. Be careful if you try messing with the steering yourself...you don't want to set off the airbag!

 

[e9999]

If the vehicle tracks straight on the road when you let go of the steering wheel and the steering wheel is 20 deg off, it's probably not an alignment (toe-in) issue. I had a similar problem on my 03 with the wheel 5-10 deg to the left of center when the vehicle tracked straight on normal city streets (didn't notice it on the test drive since the road was inverted (lower in the center) so I was unknowingly turning the wheel 10 deg to the right to compensate). It turned out to be a VGRS ECU issue (dealer said the ecu was updated in later '03 since mine was one of the first 03's, and replaced it under warranty...$800 for the ecu alone), but upon checking the FSM, it seems it can be calibrated. My guess is the dealer needs to claim a part is faulty to bill the part + labor to warranty. Anyways, since the 02 doesn't have the VGRS, the remedy will likely be different. Be careful if you try messing with the steering yourself...you don't want to set off the airbag!

ah, good point! indeed, the st. wheel can get off center by a bit on some newish Toy and Lex models, even after just disconnecting the battery. But the system can be reinitialized IIRC, there may even be a bulletin on this.

 

[Jim_Chow]

Did a quick check of my 03 LX FSM last night. It tells one to check if the VGRS ecu is initialized properly (there is a test for this). If so, you check if it's calibrated (there is a calibration method). You need to look at volume 1 for this, but your '02 doesn't have VGRS, so it's probably different.

If all of that is correct, you can align the wheel by making match marks on the airbag/column, converting that to degrees, then adjusting the rack nuts (need to loosen the boot clips on both sides, turn the nut in opposite directions; 1 turn=12 deg of steering wheel turn). This is detailed in vol 2.

 

[mmaakk]

On occasion when I take my cruiser in for an alignment they return it to me with my steering wheel off center when vehicle drives straight. I inform them and they easily return it to center and all is ok. Try taking it to an alignment shop.

 

[Sword]

thanks fellas - engine light is on so she needs a trip to the shop anyway ...

s