Steering Wheel Centering

[BlackWorksInc]

One or two degrees adjustment won't cause any issues. I don't think he needs major correction. Difference in Lock to Lock position will be minor.

It's more the cumulative effect, if the steering wheel is always off-center from the rack and the alignment is done BEFORE the steering wheel is reset, then the steering wheel is always being moved on an uncentered rack. Eventually it could get the rack biased (despite the vehicle tracking true), not to mention after a couple degrees it might be an issue; most if not all modern steering racks are using variable ratio gearset which means that steering effort/distance changes differently depending on how far into a turn you are in.

I'm not partial to this way of centering the vehicle, but I agree if it's done once or twice in a blue moon it won't hurt much; but I'd like to point out if it's done as a regular habit there is the possibility of a cumulative effect.

Yes. You will likely need a puller.

Na, once you have the airbag disconnected and pulled off (make sure you set it with the logo side up); just grab the wheel at 12 & 6 o'clock and firmly rock it back and forth while pulling it towards you. Make sure the steering wheel nut is threaded on a couple times just in case, but you'll feel it get loose (you don't have to pull on it like you're gonna bend the shaft, just firmly press the top inwards while pulling the bottom outwards and do that a few times) and come out. I do this all day long since I get dash pad replacements these days (one if not the fastest guy in our shop to get dashes in and out ) and it's never failed me yet.

 

[flyrv9]

Isn't the final part of the alignment to insure the wheel is centered?

 

[BobsTrail]

Isn't the final part of the alignment to insure the wheel is centered?

Yes, :dammit: And if I go back to have them fix it they may want me to wait an hour or two. Then the risk of lazy work and just turning a tie rod and not double checking the toe in-out.

I think I will use the TSB posted above and do it on a cold shop floor one day when my wife is gone so I don't have to answer any logical questions and get "the look" from her.