Steering Wheel is Crooked?

[Shazam]

Hi guys. My CJ has an aftermarket Grant steering wheel (4 spoke Challenger). When the front wheels are straight ahead, the steering wheel is turned on it's "side" (90 degrees to the right).

No big deal as the Jeep steers great but it bothers me...should I remove and re-set the steering wheel or let the local shop put it on a machine to adjust the tires?

I'm thinking the steering wheel must be on correctly since it has to bolt into a 3 or 5 bolt pattern and it doesn't fit on like a race cars with teeth to match up. Thoughts? Thanks.

 

[BusaDave9]

You need to adjust the steering linkage going from the steering gearbox to the right steering knuckle. Since the steering wheel is turned to the right when you are going strait it means the linkage needs to be adjusted so it's shorter.

 

[CJKrawler]

Is the tie rod adjustable? I think that is the one I am thinking of. If it is, you adjust the centering of the steering wheel with that, maybe I am thinking the drang link. I had the same issue on my TJ. That will straighten it out. Someone else should chime in and clarify what I am trying to say.

 

[BajaEdition]

if it is a Grant, then it sits on an adapter that fits the splines, that may be off

check the steering linkage, make sure the wheels are strait when everything is centered (pitman arm,draglink,tie rods)then take off the steering wheel and put it on strait

 

[Old Dog]

if it is a Grant, then it sits on an adapter that fits the splines, that may be off

check the steering linkage, make sure the wheels are strait when everything is centered (pitman arm,draglink,tie rods)then take off the steering wheel and put it on strait

X2. if all you did was change steering wheels.
Otherweise adjust the drag link if you can't get the steering wheel straight on the splines.

 

[Jeff in Norcal]

Good question and good answers. Thanks! I also have a Grant wheel that's off center, but just a little and didn't know if it set on splines or not. Now I do. Front end seems fine so maybe I'll pop it off and move it left 1 spline and see how that works. Seems like there's always something on a Jeep that needs tinkering with.

 

[BajaEdition]

I added a Grant to my 67 this year and found out real quick bout the adapters, Seems I am in a nitch year that the spline size is different from most. Jeeps got to love them. Anyway I found that a steering wheel puller is nice. but a BFH with a rubber head is a life saver.

 

[Shazam]

You guys are all awsome!!! Thanks for the input. I'll start with resetting the steering wheel then go underneath if needed.

 

[83cj7]

I just installed a Grant wheel and tilt steering column in my 83 CJ7 . Because the adapter has only 2 positions for the plastic horn tube to pass throu it you will probably need to make your adjustment with the linkage. I've seen alignment guys do it before. I think they do it with the tie rod connecting tube or bar. As I recall they loosen the jam nuts and turn the bar or tube one way or the other with a pipe wrench. Mine is slightly off also.

 

[Old Dog]

I just installed a Grant wheel and tilt steering column in my 83 CJ7 . Because the adapter has only 2 positions for the plastic horn tube to pass throu it you will probably need to make your adjustment with the linkage. I've seen alignment guys do it before. I think they do it with the TIE ROD connecting tube or bar. As I recall they loosen the jam nuts and turn the bar or tube one way or the other with a pipe wrench. Mine is slightly off also.

Not the tie rod, that adjusts the toe in. You need to adjust the drag link.