Steering Wheel Alignment

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Dec 25, 2007 | 06:25 PM

jimkari

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Joined: Oct 2005

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Steering Wheel Alignment

I recently replaced the steering gear, pitman arm and the steering wheel on my 97 Expedition. When I replaced the arm and gear, the steering wheel was rotated counter clockwise about 10 degrees when driving straight. When I replaced the wheel I thought I could simply reposition the wheel. However I couldn't move the black ring behind the wheel (contains cruise control connectors) and I didn't want to force it. Does anyone know how I can rotate the steering wheel clockwise a few degrees? The pitman arm and the steering shaft coupler all appeared to have splines that only allowed them to go on in one spot. Is it possible to pull the coupler and rotate the steering wheel slightly to align or will the coupler only slide on at one spot on the steering gear? Alternatively should I adjust the tie rod ends?

I really appreciate any tips on straightening out the wheel.

Thanks,

Jim

Dec 26, 2007 | 08:07 AM

ubereal2

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Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 9,111

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From: Lexington Mo

I do alignments for a living (for what it's worth), you may need to have it aligned. But with all you've replaced that may not be a bad idea anyway.... When the toe setting is being done, they will lock the steering wheel level, then set the toe.

Bob