Steering Wheel Alignment

[kayentaut]

I recently bought a 2007 Superlight R, it includes a removable steering wheel. It seems the steering wheel is slightly off center when the wheels are pointed straight. My guess is the original builder drilled the Momo wheel incorrectly, by perhaps 10 degrees (just guessing). I don’t see a solution short of ordering a new wheel and re drilling. Is there another option I am missing?

Thanks,

Jim

[scannon]

The hub of the removable steering wheel is likely splined to the steering shaft and can be removed and reseated. If not, then the same thing can be accomplished at the joint between the lower shaft and the steering rack.

 

Its possible you just need an alignment and during the alignment the steering wheel can be centered by adjusting the tie rod ends.

[rzempel]

It is trivial to turn one tie rod out, and the other in the same amount, to correct an off-center steering wheel.

 

Randall

[CASwede]

If you have to adjust the column at the u-joint, be sure to replace your nylocs and pay attention to torque when re-tightening. I believe my car had been adjusted often given the amount the wheel was out of center, and I found my nylocs were more than loose at the u-joint. The upper clamp position was all that kept the column from pulling out of the u-joint.

[kayentaut]

Thanks guys, I will check out your suggestions over the weekend.

Jim

[xcarguy]

. . . . during the alignment the steering wheel can be centered by adjusting the tie rod ends.

 

 

This is something that's easliy done at home in your own garage/driveway. I've done it several times over the years to center the steering wheel. However, you may want to build a simple, yet very useful, device such as this to ensure you maintain your current toe setting:

 

http://www471.pair.com/stalkerv/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=20051 (see toe-in jig, second row of photos)

[drew...]

Before you change the tie rod adjustments take a look at the steering knuckle just above the rack and pinion. First loosen the two bolts at the 'D' section of the steering shaft (directly in front of the cowl near the pedal box). This will allow you to compress the column. Then remove the lower knuckle bolt where it connects to the steering rack. Mark the current position then pull the knuckle off the rack and adjust one spline and reassemble. If you are off approximately 10 degrees this should straighten it out. If you need less than one spline you will need to adjust as suggested by others.