Hello,

I had to replace my heater core so I removed my dash. During that process, I detached the steering wheel rod that connects the wheel to the steering rack. After installing it and going for a drive, my steering wheel is about 45 degrees off to the left. What is the easiest way to align this properly. I had a hard enough time just getting it back on...I read this thread but I'm still very confused.

Any help would be MUCH appreciated!

 

Sounds like you need a basic wheel alignment. The mechanic will dial in the tie rods to get the steering wheel straight / level

 

Need to reattach the column straight.

 

+1.
The shaft must be aligned to the rack.

 

This is what I tried to do. Is there an easy way to do this with one person? I unbolted the steering wheel from the support bar and I can't line up the shaft to the steering rack, make sure the steering column is straight and make sure the steering wheel is straight all at the same time. I feel like I need to work smarter, not harder just don't know how.

 

This is what I tried to do. Is there an easy way to do this with one person? I unbolted the steering wheel from the support bar and I can't line up the shaft to the steering rack, make sure the steering column is straight and make sure the steering wheel is straight all at the same time. I feel like I need to work smarter, not harder just don't know how.

 

I've honestly never had to do it. Sorry man. Hopefully someone here has a good recommendation.
Maybe the FSM has a procedure.....?

 

Heres the manual if needed

 

When I had my dash out and in my steering wheel - same problem as yours. Not interested in messing with the steering column any more I adjusted toe. Is that the right thing to do - dunno, but it worked for me.

 

If the steering rack isn't centered when you connect everything, don't you end up with the rack moving one way more than the other?

 

Yeah I'd rather fix it at the steering shaft but may end up doing that if I can't get it right. How far off was your steering wheel?

 

I could be wrong....but aren't you losing some steering angle in one direction if you don't center the rack when setting toe? There is also a steering angle sensor that I would think at least would need to be recalibrated.

 

Hmmm....well what determines steering lock? Is it the rack itself or does the steering wheel shaft have anything to do with it? I feel like it's just the rack itself but could be wrong.

 

Its internal to the steering rack. You need to center the rack and then the wheel. There's no magic to it, if you only messed with the column then you need to straighten the tires and then disconnect and reattach the column clocked straight. Just reattach and check, if its not straight try again.

 

Figured. You would end up with one turn of rotation one direction, one and a half the other LOL