Steering wheel - centralising
1 This operation is for correcting small errors in steering wheel centralisation - up to 60º.
For larger errors, remove the steering wheel and make a rough correction by repositioning the wheel on refitting.
2 Drive the vehicle in a straight line on a level surface. Note the angle by which the steering wheel deviates from the desired straight-ahead position.
3 Raise the front of the vehicle by driving it onto ramps, or with a jack and axle stands.
4 Slacken both tie-rod end locknuts. Also slacken the steering rack bellows outer clips.
5 Make alignment marks between each tie-rod end and its rod, so that the amount of rotation applied can be accurately determined see illustration).
23.5 Make alignment marks (arrowed) between each tie-rod end and its rod when
centralising the steering wheel
6 Turn both tie-rods in the same direction to correct the steering wheel position. As a rough guide, 19º of tie-rod rotation will change the steering wheel position by 1º. To correct a clockwise error at the steering wheel, rotate both tie-rods anti-clockwise (when viewed from the left-hand side of the vehicle), and the reverse to correct an anticlockwise error. Both tie-rods must be rotated by the same amount.
7 Tighten the bellows clips and the tie-rod end locknuts when adjustment is correct.
Lower the vehicle.
See also:
Roadwheel check (Every 12 000 miles or 12 months)
Check the wheel rims for distortion,
damage and excessive run-out. Also make
sure that the balance weights are secure with
no obvious signs that any are missing.
Check the torque of the wheel bolt ...
Engine/manual gearbox assembly - reconnection and refitting
1 Reverse the procedure described in Section
11, noting the following points.
2 Before attempting to reconnect the engine
to the gearbox, check that the clutch friction
disc is centralised. This i ...
Exhaust manifold nut check - RS Turbo models (Every 6000 miles
or 6 months)
Check the tightness of the exhaust
manifold securing nuts using a torque wrench. ...
