Steering Wheel Off Centre?

[Rob]

Ok, so this may sound like a silly question, but how have I done this?

Basically, I changed a ball joint with MikeB off here, got back in the car, and the steering wheel was about 15 degrees off centre?

Have I bent something (track rod)? Or just knocked something out? i.e the tracking or similar?

I'm aware I like breaking this car, but lets face it, it helps me get my count up....

EDIT: It was the passenger side lower balljoint I changed, and the wheel now needs to be to the right to be straight (if that makes any difference)

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

The river.

Put it in there.....

 

[jenic]

Get an aftermarket wheel, then bolt it so it sits straight

 

[Rob]

I have an aftermarket wheel, I was just going to un-bolt it, then bolt it back on straight, but this isn't going to solve any problems it may cause.

Rob, you knock down the wall, I'll drive it round when you're done.

Insurance, che-ching.

 

[magh]

or you could, disconect battery wait at least 20mins then remove air bag, t50 i think it is torx key remove wheel and replace on spline 15 degres to the left, will correct the error, or get your tracking checked. you may have disturbed something.

 

[iimushroomzii]

You've fucked it now mate

 

[iimushroomzii]

or you could, disconect battery wait at least 20mins then remove air bag, t50 i think it is torx key remove wheel and replace on spline 15 degres to the left, will correct the error, or get your tracking checked. you may have disturbed something.

But, don't they have one "master"(bigger) spline so they can only be put on in one position?

 

[jenic]

But, don't they have one "master"(bigger) spline so they can only be put on in one position?

I know ph2's do

 

[magh]

But, don't they have one "master"(bigger) spline so they can only be put on in one position?

Ah its been ages since i had mine off plus done about another 10 cars since, but you may well be correct, if thats the case tracking check it is.

 

[Rob]

I think magh is correct, I've just been out and taken the wheel off, but unfortunately, I don't have a t50, so I'll have to get me one.

I'm pretty sure if I undo it, I can adjust the wheel and it'll look/feel right.

I watched a mechanic do this to my ph1 1.2 when I first got it and had less of a clue about cars, lol!

God knows what I cocked up to do it though?

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

I think magh is correct, I've just been out and taken the wheel off, but unfortunately, I don't have a t50, so I'll have to get me one.

I do.

50, 55 and 60.

 

[Rob]

About 18 minutes til dark, fancy a quick blast

I joke, I joke, but seriously, I'll be around tmrw evening, top mounts in hand?

 

[ForceIndia]

Oh Hai! Remember that lad that told you tracking will need doing after changing the ball joint. Clever lad, quiet good looking. Massive c**k. Something Bear......Brown Bear??

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

About 18 minutes til dark, fancy a quick blast

I joke, I joke, but seriously, I'll be around tmrw evening, top mounts in hand?

I would but I'm relegated to the (Ja)zzzzzzzz.... and honestly I feel like crashing it into a wall for some excitement.

Tomorrow evening though .. yeah go on then.

I'll crash the Honda into the retaining wall and you can just drive the surrender monkey into the river.

I'll be in the pub. You owe me a drink or 9.

 

[Rob]

Oh Hai! Remember that lad that told you tracking will need doing after changing the ball joint. Clever lad, quiet good looking. Massive c**k. Something Bear......Brown Bear??

FLOL! I thought you'd be along, my only issue is that I've been told my tracking isn't going to straighten up my steering wheel??? Or is that utter tripe?

I just don't get what I could done in changing the ball joint to push the steering out??

I'm changing the top mounts too, and the chances are I've already killed my ball joint by driving with a dead top mount, so I'll get it done after that, honest.

I would but I'm relegated to the (Ja)zzzzzzzz.... and honestly I feel like crashing it into a wall for some excitement.

Tomorrow evening though .. yeah go on then.

I'll crash the Honda into the retaining wall and you can just drive the surrender monkey into the river.

I'll be in the pub. You owe me a drink or 9.

I've got your cash money actually, does the "go on then" include the top mounts?

I' got a whole strut out, on my own in 25 minutes, so changing top mounts'll be fine

 

[ForceIndia]

My steering was out after each ball joint was done. Took it to the guys that do my alignment, asked them to do tracking as the wheel was off. Problem solved.

 

[Fred@BTM]

yup utter 100% crap!

 

[.GAZ.]

Get you're tracking done and ask them to center you're steering wheel too!

 

[Rob]

I can center it myself with the torx though can't I?

My question now is, what's the difference between changing it using the 50 torx or having it adjusted by the tracking or whatever???

 

[Fred@BTM]

you CAN'T do it that way, not possible

 

[Rob]

My steering was out after each ball joint was done. Took it to the guys that do my alignment, asked them to do tracking as the wheel was off. Problem solved.

Ok fine, once I've done the top mounts, I'll get it all aligned etc.

But Fred, should I not adjust it with the 50 torx then?

 

[.GAZ.]

The tracking needs done! Laser tools needed!

 

[Rob]

Cheers Fred, I posted the second time without seeing your post.

Gaz, I give in, I'll get it done.

Just a random question for you Fred, how comes it could be changed like that on my 1.2 but it won't work on my 172???

 

[MikeB]

LOL! Ring me tommorow!

 

[Rob]

LOL! Ring me tommorow!

I'll ring you indeed Mike, if only for you to laugh at me and my epic mechanical knowledge :rasp:

 

[Fred@BTM]

doing it the way you suggest is stupid (no offense) as the wheel alignment will still be out regardless if the wheel is straight or not!

 

[richy22]

Serious question..If the car pulls ever so slightly to the left could you adjust that yourself??

Failing that il just f**k off back up where they did the tracking but really cant be arsed to drive 2 hours for that.

 

[Rob]

doing it the way you suggest is stupid (no offense) as the wheel alignment will still be out regardless if the wheel is straight or not!

None taken mate, I'm no mecahnic, I was just curious, as the car still (sort of) drives fine, so I just thought changing the wheel back could be a temp fix until I've fitted the top mounts. (as its seriously annoying to drive off centre)

Also, are you still selling those washers to stop the struts from knocking? Or is it only worth fitting them once there's a problem?