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
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.

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