Steering wheel alignment

[peterro]

I'm about halfway through putting my column back together and was thinking about the alignment. How do I get the column installed so that when the wheels are straight, the steering wheel is straight? Is there a proper procedure or is it more of an art?

Thanks again.

[dodj]

The shaft has a master spline(for the can). The coupler has a master spline and the bottom of the shaft that goes into the coupler has a dimple so you know that side lines up with the master spline of the coupler. There is a dimple on the coupler to assist you in lining it up with the master spline on the steering gear. Other than that, I believe there there are no choices to make. Only goes one way.

By the way, I got your book for xmas. 

[Chryco Psycho]

As stated the crush can can only go on one way , there is a hole in the column near the steering box that aligns with the master spline on the sterring box as well so you will not be 180* out as the steering shaft can be inserted into the coupler 2 ways . Once you have everything together the only adjustment is in the tie rod length so youhave to shorten one tie rod & lengthen the other until the wheel is straight

[burdar]

 

When done properly, the front end alighnment will center the wheel.  If the wheel isn't centered after the alighnment....take it back to the shop and tell them to do it right.

[peterro]

Sweet, that makes sense now. I see all the things that should line up. They're pretty subtle unless you're looking for them. Thanks a bunch.

One other column question related to the upper bearing. It's in a rubber sheath? The bearing itself looks like it has a seal on one side and the individual bearings are visible on the other side. From the column rebuild that Cody did a while back, it shows that the visible bearings should be installed toward the top of the column. I would think that the seal would be oriented to the top so various dirt/dust etc wouldn't get into the bearings. Any thoughts?

Thanks again.

[peterro]

dodj, I originally saw your comment about the book and forgot to say anything. I hope you get a lot of benefit from it.

[Chryco Psycho]

having the seal cover the top of the brg makes more sense to me

[peterro]

One other question. Is the pitman arm on the steering box keyed so the arm goes on only one way?

[dodj]

Mine can only go on one way, but Brad posted last year about his replacement arm that could go on more than one way. So I guess thee answer is ....it depends on the replacement part

[Chryco Psycho]

there are 4 master splines but only one position that will line up properly

[GranCuda1970]

Good info!! Reference point.

[peterro]

I now understand what you meant by the hole in the column. I of course learned the hard way by installing the column twice. For those who don't want to do that, here's a picture with all the key items that should line up.

From left to right, the hole in the column, keeper pin in coupler, dent in coupler, keyed spot in the spline. If I've got it wrong again, I'll be sad but please let me know.