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| How easy is it to adust the tie rods to straighten out the steering wheel? https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=68159 |
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| Author: | Johnny [ Sat Apr 12, 2025 1:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | How easy is it to adust the tie rods to straighten out the steering wheel? |
I've read that one loosens the tie rod ends and then turns the adjusters (equally?) to move the steering wheel to straight. I am learning more and more how to do things to my 65 Valiant and this is one I wouldn't want to misalign now that my car drives true. Thoughts? |
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| Author: | Greg Ondayko [ Sat Apr 12, 2025 3:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: How easy is it to adust the tie rods to straighten out the steering wheel? |
It is easy to do. (2) 1/2" wrenches (box end perferred) and then you need to set your toe again after resetting the wheel straight. A tie rod tool is useful as well. Align shops can do this fast with turn plates , lasers and a drive on rack that is 12"-24" off the floor. You will be likely crawling around on the shop floor a lot back and forth from side to side many times up to 20-30x to adjust toe and steering wheel center. Then some test drives to see of you got it right. A good set of toe plates and 2 tape measures are what I use. I suppose you could also use strings and jack stands around the car.. I have never used that method however. |
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| Author: | MDchanic [ Sat Apr 12, 2025 5:55 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: How easy is it to adust the tie rods to straighten out the steering wheel? |
To reduce Greg's excellent description to its essential concept: In theory, it's extremely easy: Rotate sleeves equally and you will move the position of the steering wheel relative to the steering linkage. Do it perfectly and you will not affect your toe-in. In practice... How's your frustration tolerance? – Eric |
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| Author: | SlantSixDan [ Sat Apr 12, 2025 6:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: How easy is it to adust the tie rods to straighten out the steering wheel? |
Before you go to the trouble, make certain the steering wheel is installed correctly on the splines at the top of the steering shaft—yes, there's a master double-wide spline meant to index the wheel to the shaft, but it's not foolproof; I've seen that defeated many times. I don't recall if there's a master spline on the steering gearbox input shaft, but it would stand to reason there would be; that would bear checking, too. |
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