When changing the steering wheel, how do you know where the straight ahead position is?

It might sound a silly question, but obviously you make sure you wheel is straight but say you remove the rack compeletly and refit it for what ever reason, how do you know where the straight ahead point is?

Thanks

 

Probably don't, that's where wheel alignment comes in.

 

But there has to be a centre point for your steering rack, so you can put the steering wheel straight when it comes to the wheel alignment?

I guess it would be based on fitting the steering wheel and get the rotations as equal as possible, say 1 and a half rotations clock and anti clockwise for example.

Thanks

 

Remove steering wheel, refit rack, see where wheels are pointing.

Loosely fit steering wheel, turn to straighten wheels, fit steering wheel in the straight position.

 

Do you see what i mean though, i wonder if on the rack there is a centre point?

Thanks

 

I do.

It would make sense if there was a marked, on spline and rack body, centre point, Sam. I'm not sure if there is though.

 

If the centre point was slightly off then either or would be missing a fraction of the full lock.

Thanks

 

Centre the wheel before you take the old wheel off... recenter after losening the retaining nut to be doubly sure.

 

In the past when working on vehicles and had to remove the steering wheel to access the column stalks then usual method was park the vehicle then drive it forward then backward to let the steering self center. As usually most vehicles will return themselves to centre point. Remove wheel then do the job, refit the wheel without tightening fully. A short test drive to ensure the steering was centered check the steering wheel position adjust if necessary then fully tighten. I would not suggest driving down a main road with a loose steering wheel but about 50 yards would be sufficient once the car is lined up.