Steering Wheel Not Lining Up Straight
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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Steering Wheel Not Lining Up Straight
I have a 1986 ford f150 and when I get the front wheels straight the steering wheel is not straight. What do I need to do to adjust the steering wheel or front linkage to get everything straight?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 252
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From: Illinois
To straighten the steering wheel you need to adjust the tie-rod ends.
Set your wheel straight ahead. Look at your wheels, if they are turned slightly left then you will have to shorten the drivers side tie rod and lengthen the passenger's side the same amount. The opposite applies if the wheels are turned to the right.
It's a pretty straightforward job but, you might have to do it a time or two before you get it right.
I don't recommend that you remove your steering wheel and replace it straight. That might work but, your turn signal cancelling will be messed up (not that anyone uses turn signals anymore).
Good luck!
Set your wheel straight ahead. Look at your wheels, if they are turned slightly left then you will have to shorten the drivers side tie rod and lengthen the passenger's side the same amount. The opposite applies if the wheels are turned to the right.
It's a pretty straightforward job but, you might have to do it a time or two before you get it right.
I don't recommend that you remove your steering wheel and replace it straight. That might work but, your turn signal cancelling will be messed up (not that anyone uses turn signals anymore).
Good luck!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 691
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From: Eau Claire, WI
how would the signal canceling cam get screwed up from removing the wheel? I thought it was under the collet for the nut, but I havent ever had a ford colum apart though... 87 mazduhh b2200 truck, and 76 MB 300D... both were seperated from the cam
Can you explain more?
tks alot
~Nate
Can you explain more?
tks alot
~Nate
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Originally Posted by Nathane
how would the signal canceling cam get screwed up from removing the wheel? I thought it was under the collet for the nut, but I havent ever had a ford colum apart though... 87 mazduhh b2200 truck, and 76 MB 300D... both were seperated from the cam
Can you explain more?
tks alot
~Nate
Can you explain more?
tks alot
~Nate
If the wheel was responsible for canceling the signals, then removing it and putting it back on straight would work just fine.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 239
Likes: 1
I would get an alignment done if you haven't done it recently, things have a tendancy to wear out and move. I've always considered an alignment good maintance for my tires. The alignment only costs me around $100, my tires cost $250 each. IF your shop tells you that nothing is wrong with the alignment then you know that's not the problem and you have the peace of mind knowing that the steering system under the truck is in good order.
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