Steering wheel off centre

[Matt.n.p]

Ive had a good search but not alot on this issue.

I brought a 1996 3rd gen last week. Few niggles im trying to iron out.

When driving in a straight line the steering wheel is off centre. Too the right by about 10 degrees. Its not pulling and that im having to correct. Its just out of line.

The odometer reads in miles so i presume its been changed at some point. So my first thoughts are that maybe the steering wheel has been taken off, and not put back on straight. Sloppy workmanship.

What are the other possibilities or causes.

Any help appreciated.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Ive had a good search but not alot on this issue.

I brought a 1996 3rd gen last week. Few niggles im trying to iron out.

When driving in a straight line the steering wheel is off centre. Too the right by about 10 degrees. Its not pulling and that im having to correct. Its just out of line.

The odometer reads in miles so i presume its been changed at some point. So my first thoughts are that maybe the steering wheel has been taken off, and not put back on straight. Sloppy workmanship.

What are the other possibilities or causes.

Any help appreciated.

There's your answer.

[Matt.n.p]

Is there no other possibility ?

[BUSHWHACKER]

If the vehicle travels in a straight line, then no.
Unless a wheel alignment has been carried out in the past and they didn't set the steering wheel straight before making any adjustments.

[Matt.n.p]

Thanks for help.

Now off to the search button for steering wheel removal.

[Wolfracer]

I've noticed mine is no longer straight. It used to be, fact, as I used to be impressed about how true it tracked ( no pull left or right). It still goes in a straight line, but just with the wheel off centre. Could any big bangs to the suspension alter the geometry to make this happen?
Or should I be looking at the steering rod joints?

[KERRSURF]

Uneven tyre wear can cause it, as can damage to steering components. Easy fix though.

[Wolfracer]

Uneven tyre wear can cause it, as can damage to steering components. Easy fix though.

Cheers, its been thru an MOT since, had some BJ's replaced and its still the same. I will get the tracking checked at some point soon..
I don't know if it's psychological, but it does seem to be a bit "twitchy" on uneven roads.. probably is the tracking, will check.

[BUSHWHACKER]

it does seem to be a bit "twitchy" on uneven roads.. probably is the tracking.

Most likely the steering damper.

[Wolfracer]

Most likely the steering damper.

Brand new rancho fitted a few weeks ago... will check its still all tight though...

[muddle]

sounds like the majority of the issues here are wheel alignment,

if the vehicle is going straight but the wheel is off centre then the issue is generally alignment, because if you put the wheel straight the truck will go off to the left or right, therefore with alignment guages on and the steering wheel straight it WILL register that the alignment is out, normally with reference to the rear wheel rather than toe in or out. which is why you dont always get irregular tyre wear.

plus there are many many joints on surfs that if have play will put the alignment out, i do mine all the time but its never bang on because i have small amounts of play in the steering rods and the pittman arm.

[KERRSURF]

Steering idler bushes perhaps, very easy and cheap fix, new bushes on Roughtrax, bit of grease, job done.

After running 33's for a few months my steering got a bit wooly, truck was needing the balljoints done, so I did these and the idler bushes, all new track rods and ends and a replacement steering damper. Still a bit in/out in tighter corners.

Took it for camber/castor correction (£45) and it drove like a dream, no pulling or twitching.


I used a small outfit called ProGrip in Larbert, a very nice bloke called John had my truck sorted out in 50 mins. Recommended to anyone up here having issues.

[Wolfracer]

Had an advisory on steering idler, so maybe time to fit those new bushes i bought a year ago.. and then get a steering geo.etry check on it. its always tracked straight and true so never bothered after susp. lifts etc...