Jag S Type Steering Wheel Clocking, need advice

TerryBPP · 05-23-2009, 09:04 AM

I just acquired a 06' Jag S Type and the steering wheel is clocked about 5 degrees off center. The car tracks perfectly straight, brakes straight, etc. So I'm guess the wheel was pulled off or power steering pump was replaced and the wheel was no aligned correctly.

Anyone have a clue where I should start diagnosing this? I'd like to rotate it back to 12 o clock.

Shawn 357 · 05-23-2009, 09:08 AM

Turn the wheel lock to lock to see where the center should be.

javadog · 05-23-2009, 09:10 AM

I suspect the steering shaft splines are coarse enough that rotating the wheel one spline will be too much. Have an alignment shop adjust the tie rods on each side, to center the wheel.

Make sure that you are aware that most roads are sloped to the outside and it usually takes a few degrees of steering wheel moevment to run straight down the lane. Sometimes a perfectly centered wheel will appear off for this reason. In the old days, the alignment guys would adjust the caster differently from left to right to compensate for this.

JR

Kevin Stewart · 05-23-2009, 11:10 AM

i would suspect the car had been wrecked and they didnt get the alignment right, Kevin

TerryBPP · 05-23-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Stewart

i would suspect the car had been wrecked and they didnt get the alignment right, Kevin

Not that carfax is flawless but no accidents shown. I'll take it to my guy and see what it is. Thanks

Kevin Stewart · 05-23-2009, 12:45 PM

terrybbp, in no way did i mean it negative, but in most cases a car that new something had to happen to move the front end around enough to have the wheel off, example a corner was wrecked and didnt center the tie rods, drag link or rack,, by chance check your air pressure in the front, Kevin

Quicksilver · 05-23-2009, 02:26 PM

If the alignment is ok then there is no reason to take it in just to get the wheel centered.

Simply adjust the left and right tie rod adjusters by the same number of turns. You will have to play with it a bit to get it spot on but as long as you do equal adjustments it won't change the toe.

TerryBPP · 05-23-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Stewart

terrybbp, in no way did i mean it negative, but in most cases a car that new something had to happen to move the front end around enough to have the wheel off, example a corner was wrecked and didnt center the tie rods, drag link or rack,, by chance check your air pressure in the front, Kevin

No offense taken, could have been in a fender bender and not been reported to insurance. Or could have hit a curb hard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

If the alignment is ok then there is no reason to take it in just to get the wheel centered.

Simply adjust the left and right tie rod adjusters by the same number of turns. You will have to play with it a bit to get it spot on but as long as you do equal adjustments it won't change the toe.

Good advice. I'll play with it a bit. Thanks