Steering wheel not returning to center after turns

[ubtripn]

Just a small question. I have a new front end, ps, bearings etc.. but the wheel does not come back to center on it's own after I make a turn. Should I loosen the gearbox adjustment a little?

[ubtripn]

It starts to go but I have to help it.

[truckster]

That is one possibility, but the first thing I thought of is alignment. Did you have one done after replacing the front end parts?

[ubtripn]

Yeah, about a couple of weeks ago. Tires and rims are new as well.

[Stocker]

Normally as the steering box wears, you may find the need to tighten it just a bit. Maybe the PO did that already but went too far (which is easy to do). Try loosening it, but be careful -- a small adjustment can make a big difference.

[ubtripn]

It's actually a brand new steering gear box so I guess the question is has anybody had to adjust these right out of the box so that the wheel returns?

[truckster]

It's possible. They're supposed to be bench tested before they're sent out, but it may be off a little.

I would be very careful about adjusting it. Just do a little at a time until you get the feel you want. Test drive it somewhere you won't have a problem with traffic.

[ubtripn]

You got it. I think it is just a tad over-tight but that is all. Thanks for the advice.

[rpatowers]

I once adjusted my steering box too tight and the steering wheel wouldn't return to center. Wouldn't return at all, as a matter of fact. I had to back it off a bit.

Just confirming what's already been said.

[70CHEVYBB]

I had the same problem when I installed new ball joints, inner and outer tie rods and adjusting sleeves. I did not pay attetion when I took it apart and installed thecenter link backwards sothat puts the inner tie rods on wrong. The nuts for the tie rods should be to the front of the truck. I had mine pointing tothe rear of the truck. It did not return to center after making a turn.

[ubtripn]

I am going to check that, thanks.

[Indyuke]

I'm thinking the same thing as truckster. Your alignment was probably incorrectly adjusted. Caster is adjusted too much to the negative side. It's good to have some positive caster because it helps straight line stability by encouraging the wheels to remain centered when you let go of them.

[Square_78]

I have to agree. Its your caster adjustment that helps recenter the wheels and keep the truck going straight. Maybe try a different aightment shop and ask them to be sure to correct it.

[c10srule]

its hard to find a good alignment shop that knows how to or will accurately align these old trucks, i worked at a tire shop for ten years till last october and anyone i saw do alignments would just do a toe set, they didnt like messing with the shims to set the caster and camber, you have to jack it up by the frame to get to the control arm bolts to remove or add shims, then you need to let it back down bounce it a few times and roll it back and forth a couple times to settle the suspension back down then reread it, and you cant trust the copies of the readings they show you because all you have to do is move the alignment heads around to show the readings you want, and any machine ive ever used didnt go past 1974, with radial tires you cant goe by the old specs, you want the caster between .5 and 1.5 degree pos. caster and the camber between 0 and .5 pos. degrees, the toe needs to be between .010 and .015 degrees pos. if not youll get tire wear, drivability problems and the steering wheel wont center properly, also a tight steering box will not let the steering wheel center itself,

[ubtripn]

Thank you CS10srule. The guy did use shims and give it his best but I don't think it was done right PLUS - my bearings were shot, I just replaced all of them in the front this weekend and the spindles were just basically sitting against the top of the hubs which may have affected the alignment as well.

[c10srule]

ya a proper alignment cant be done with bad front end parts, the alignment guy is supose to check the front end out and wheel bearings prior to alignment and not perform one till all the issues found are repaired, hope you get it lined out and can enjoy your ride

[ubtripn]

Thanks, I'm sure I will get there eventually =)

[chopnchaneled]

Did you have power steering before?

[ubtripn]

No, I upgraded to it.

[chopnchaneled]

Looks like your truck is a 67 or early 68,
was there a divot to clear the sector or did you half to add spacers?

[ubtripn]

Its a 68, it had the divot so it went right in.

[chris989]

ubtripin,


Any resolution to your problem??? I have the same issue, but on a newer truck.

Chris

[brad_man_72]

Some guys are running a lot more caster... I prefer quite a bit more than stock also, I think I'm running around 5*
You may want to venture over to the "make it handle" thread in the suspension forum.
Posted via Mobile Device