Replaced LBJ's today and now steering wheel is slightly off center

[ej86923]

So I replaced the LBJ"S today with factory ones from McGeorge and followed Timmy's video to the T. The old ones weren't bad and just had a slight amount of play but figured I'd play it safe. I torqued everything correctly and rechecked everything after a 5 mile test drive.

The steering wheel is about 2-3 degrees off center. anyone else have this happen. I'm guessing it may be just a consequence of have the OTRE's off and back on. Any help? Thanks

 

[mtbtim]

Unless you actually removed the outer tie rods from the inner tie rods, the only other way your steering wheel could have gotten off center is if your last alignment was done with worn balljoints that had play. Otherwise, lower balljoint replacements should not affect your alignment.

 

[ej86923]

Unless you actually removed the outer tie rods from the inner tie rods, the only other way your steering wheel could have gotten off center is if your last alignment was done with worn balljoints that had play. Otherwise, lower balljoint replacements should not affect your alignment.

The old LBJ's were probably the originals with close to 200k on them, no idea when the last the alignment was done. I'll schedule one to get done. I didn't hammer on anything and used pullers for both the TRE's and LBJ's, hence why I am befuddled.

Other than the steering wheel being off it rode fine with no noises or clunks. Like I said I did go back a second time and checked everything over. Thanks for the reply.

 

[tyler.lewis]

I used to be an alignment tech so I will teach you a trick. Break loose the locking nut for the outer tie rod on both ends. Turn clockwise 1/2 turn on one side and counterclockwise 1/2 turn on the opposite side. Test drive. If it’s worse, then reverse what you did and rotate it the other way. Make sure to mark which sides you rotate with a paint pen or sharpie so you don’t get confused or forget.


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[ej86923]

I used to be an alignment tech so I will teach you a trick. Break loose the locking nut for the outer tie rod on both ends. Turn clockwise 1/2 turn on one side and counterclockwise 1/2 turn on the opposite side. Test drive. If it’s worse, then reverse what you did and rotate it the other way. Make sure to mark which sides you rotate with a paint pen or sharpie so you don’t get confused or forget.


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It is currently pulling to the right so the wheel is slightly to the left when going straight. So which turn would I do? Thanks

 

[tyler.lewis]

Is the steering wheel off or does it pull to the right?


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[ej86923]

Is the steering wheel off or does it pull to the right?


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I misspoke the steering is just off center. It goes straight down the road, just the steering wheel not centered.

 

[tyler.lewis]

Okay so if the wheel is to the left then you need to push the toe to the right. On the passenger side tie rod, rotate it clockwise 1/4 turn and the driver side counterclockwise 1/4 turn. Basically like you extending the toe on side and decreasing the toe on the opposite which will straighten your wheel.


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[ej86923]

A little over a half a turn per side and we are GTG now. Thanks for the help.

 

[tyler.lewis]

A little over a half a turn per side and we are GTG now. Thanks for the help.

Glad that worked out for you! Now you are a certified alignment tech.


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