Steering wheel off center

[ffrree]

Hi

I am a newbie here, hello to all

Just noticed the steering wheel is off centre when the front is going straight on the road. It is off by about 30 Deg from North, I am talking about using the steering wheel cover as reference.

Checked tyres etc, all seem ok, can't vouch for the wheel alignment, but it would not be that badly off, I think.

Is this a problem, or just something needing adj somewhere.

Never had been conscious of it until now, perhaps it's been like that for a long time.

 

[Delancy]

If it drives fine, as far as alignment is concerned, it's a simple drag link adjustment.

Loosen clamps, tighten/loosen drag link until wheel is centered, then re-tighten.

In the FSM.

 

[NLXTACY]

If it drives fine, as far as alignment is concerned, it's a simple drag link adjustment.

Loosen clamps, tighten/loosen drag link until wheel is centered, then re-tighten.

In the FSM.

^ yup. Its dead simple.

 

[ffrree]

Thanks guys. Go open the FSM now.

 

[86tuning]

Check for bent parts before doing any adjustments.

 

[ADHLX]

DRAG LINK = RELAY ROD?

I have the FSM here and it doesn't use the term drag link. I have the same problem as OP.... I just bought new front tires and they aligned it, but didn't check steering wheel position. I want to move that without messing up the alignment, so I want to make sure I am adjusting the right thing.

Thanks

 

[Copenhagen1]

DRAG LINK = RELAY ROD? I have the FSM here and it doesn't use the term drag link. I have the same problem as OP.... I just bought new front tires and they aligned it, but didn't check steering wheel position. I want to move that without messing up the alignment, so I want to make sure I am adjusting the right thing. Thanks

If you paid for an alignment, take it back and tell them to center the steering wheel. It should have been done during the alignment.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[L8Shift]

If you paid for an alignment, take it back and tell them to center the steering wheel. It should have been done during the alignment.

For me, it was much easier to straighten the steering wheel myself than to take it back to the local shop. It may take a few attempts, but worth the effort. Unless the relay rod is all but seized up. (BTW I loaded up the threads on the relay rod with anti-seize compound when I had it installed)

Just bring along a piece or cardboard to lay on when doing the adjustment.

 

[Delancy]

DRAG LINK = RELAY ROD?

I have the FSM here and it doesn't use the term drag link. I have the same problem as OP.... I just bought new front tires and they aligned it, but didn't check steering wheel position. I want to move that without messing up the alignment, so I want to make sure I am adjusting the right thing.

Thanks

Yes. Goes from gearbox to knuckle.

 

[Tools R Us]

The alignment on the '80 is very simple to do at home. One method: https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/439431-alignment-setting-toe.html

 

[ffrree]

If it drives fine, as far as alignment is concerned, it's a simple drag link adjustment.

Loosen clamps, tighten/loosen drag link until wheel is centered, then re-tighten.

In the FSM.

Please excuse my ignorance. I refer to this in the FSM, but wonder where is the part, is it somewhere under the steering wheel cover, exposed after dismounting the steering wheel ?

 

[Delancy]

The pic you posted shows how to adjust steering wheel free play, not correcting steering wheel center.

Will hunt for page in the FSM, but the drag link (think FSM calls relay rod) goes from the power steering gear box pitman arm to the PS knuckle.

 

[jonheld]

There are 2 adjustments available for an "alignment".
Relay rod length will adjust center of the steering wheel.
Tie rod length will adjust toe in/out.

That's all you have. Don't overcomplicate this.

 

[leonard_nemoy]

Thread resurrection!!! Got my rig aligned and the steering wheel was a little off center so I thought I would try to get it centered on my own instead of taking it to the shop.

I have an aftermarket relay rod but I got the jam nuts on both ends loose and loosened the bracket for the steering stabilizer.

I tried to turn the relay rod with a pipe wrench but it wouldn't budge. What am I missing? Do I need to jack the front tires up?

Thanks

 

[Broski]

Thread resurrection!!! Got my rig aligned and the steering wheel was a little off center so I thought I would try to get it centered on my own instead of taking it to the shop.

I have an aftermarket relay rod but I got the jam nuts on both ends loose and loosened the bracket for the steering stabilizer.

I tried to turn the relay rod with a pipe wrench but it wouldn't budge. What am I missing? Do I need to jack the front tires up?

Thanks

No if both jam nuts are loose it should turn !
Needs more persuasion

 

[leonard_nemoy]

No if both jam nuts are loose it should turn !
Needs more persuasion

I torqued it as hard as I could with a pipe wrench and it wouldn't budge. I wonder if it's because it's an aftermarket relay rod....

 

[Broski]

I torqued it as hard as I could with a pipe wrench and it wouldn't budge. I wonder if it's because it's an aftermarket relay rod....

It’s possible the one or both of the end are bottom out and not allowing it to turn.
Try going the opposite direction.
Not uncommon for to be frozen from road salt.

 

[Broski]

Try a cheater bar to get it free.

 

[leonard_nemoy]

Try a cheater bar to get it free.

The linkage parts are just a few years old and no salt here so I don't think it's frozen. Maybe bottomed out though. I will try again in the morning when it's cool with a cheater bar.

 

[Broski]

The linkage parts are just a few years old and no salt here so I don't think it's frozen. Maybe bottomed out though. I will try again in the morning when it's cool with a cheater bar.

Haha

Love the central cost beach weather