Straightening Steering Wheel

[JNJchev77]

73-79 column, just had the alignment done and the steering wheel is sitting crooked. Is there a way to straighten the wheel, while I am going into the column for rebuild and to tighten the tilt bolts??... Without having to adjust tie rods?

Before I get "Should have been done by the alignment shop", I will say the tech told me he could not align with the toe/tie rod adjustment. ***Note*** that this is not a stock set up (using PB drop member/bags)

Thanks guys, hopefully I don't need to tear the steering apart and readjust... then re align!!

[1981Stepside]

Pull the steering shaft off the pump and reattach it on the spline when the wheel is straight.

[54Caddy]

Been there done that. Whats happening is the horn pin that goes through the steering wheel holds it in center, when you installed the rack and pinion it could have been shifted to one side more that the other. what ive always done (since horn didn't work) is cut off that horn pin and move the steering wheel so that way it is straight with the alignment. you could try that or, set up truck at ride height with wheels straight then try to take off the steering joint that connects to the rack to rotate steering wheel maybe that will help a bit. I am a technician myself and sometimes it is true that there is not enough adjustment for the tie rods when steering wheel is too off center, but that's never end of the story there is always a fix for it. Nothing in steering wheel has a stop in it, if you need more help rebuilding steering column send me a pm ive done quite a few of these ones

[wraprail]

Originally Posted by 54Caddy

Been there done that. Whats happening is the horn pin that goes through the steering wheel holds it in center, when you installed the rack and pinion it could have been shifted to one side more that the other. what ive always done (since horn didn't work) is cut off that horn pin and move the steering wheel so that way it is straight with the alignment. you could try that or, set up truck at ride height with wheels straight then try to take off the steering joint that connects to the rack to rotate steering wheel maybe that will help a bit. I am a technician myself and sometimes it is true that there is not enough adjustment for the tie rods when steering wheel is too off center, but that's never end of the story there is always a fix for it. Nothing in steering wheel has a stop in it, if you need more help rebuilding steering column send me a pm ive done quite a few of these ones

This may work to get the steering wheel straight but what about the turn signal cam? Your turn signals won't cancel when you turn or will cancel at the wrong time.
Plus some states require a working horn to pass inspection.

[wraprail]

Originally Posted by JNJchev77

73-79 column, just had the alignment done and the steering wheel is sitting crooked. Is there a way to straighten the wheel, while I am going into the column for rebuild and to tighten the tilt bolts??... Without having to adjust tie rods?

Before I get "Should have been done by the alignment shop", I will say the tech told me he could not align with the toe/tie rod adjustment. ***Note*** that this is not a stock set up (using PB drop member/bags)

Thanks guys, hopefully I don't need to tear the steering apart and readjust... then re align!!

Your column has a 1'x48 spline on the end. IIRC there is not a indexing spline on it so you can just re-index your u-joint. You must have an aftermarket u-joint where the column connects to the steering shaft? IE: Sweet, Flaming River, Ididt, Borgeson

[motornut]

weird
wraprail do you mean the rag joint or higher
when i did my rag on my (stock)78 it made it 180 out
doorman couldn't give me a reason why the key is on the opposite side
third one ordered,and was the same

[wraprail]

Not the rag joint.
I mean the bottom of the steering column is 1"x48 spline.
I assume he is using an aftermarket u-joint here.
He has a dropmember which uses a mustang type steering rack.

[JNJchev77]

Originally Posted by wraprail

Your column has a 1'x48 spline on the end. IIRC there is not a indexing spline on it so you can just re-index your u-joint. You must have an aftermarket u-joint where the column connects to the steering shaft? IE: Sweet, Flaming River, Ididt, Borgeson

There is an indexing spline/flat spot lol, on the end of the column shaft. I registered & insured the truck as a classic, so no inspection is required... here in AZ Yes, I have an aftermarket U-Joint from CPP...

So the signals won't turn off automatically, I'll have to do it manually each time? Hmmm.. I don't want to be one of those guys driving down the road oblivious to the turn signal flashing...

I could essentially grind a new flat spot/indexing spline after setting it straight, yes?

[JNJchev77]

Originally Posted by wraprail

Not the rag joint.
I mean the bottom of the steering column is 1"x48 spline.
I assume he is using an aftermarket u-joint here.
He has a dropmember which uses a mustang type steering rack.

Yes, I should have mentioned the R&P...

[54Caddy]

My truck has no horn pin. No problems at all with turn signals canceling. It takes patience to set it up but works fine.
Posted via Mobile Device

[JNJchev77]

I'll have a look once I'm in there.

Thanks guys!