Steering Wheel Off Center While Driving Straight (Perform Torque to Tighten Analysis and Repair as Necessary)

Some customers may comment that the steering wheel is out of position (turned to the left or right) while driving straight ahead.

The cause of condition may be due to the threaded joint between the inner tie rod and the rack loosening. Testing has shown it to be unlikely that the joint will unscrew (separate) during normal driving maneuvers, however the steering wheel alignment can be affected.

If the steering wheel is turned to the left while driving straight ahead, remove the right hand steering gear convoluted boot clamps. After exposing the tie rod connection to the rack bar, using a paint pen or marker place an indexing mark from the tie rod to the rack bar. Check the "torque to tighten" on the tie rod to rack bar attachment by applying 50 N·m (37 lb ft) torque in a clockwise direction. Do not exceed this specification. Use of a 1 9/16" crowfoot is necessary. Hold the rack bar with a pipe wrench.

If the steering wheel is turned rightward during the straight ahead driving, conduct the same analysis described above on the left hand tie rod.

1. Inspect the inner tie rod and the rack bar for a change in position of the index mark with respect to each other. If any position change is observed:




•

If the gear serial number has a "6" in the seventh digit position (1) from the left, i.e. TNR###6#####, replace both the left hand and the right hand inner tie rods. Install a new crimp clamp, PN 11562064, to secure the boot to the steering gear. Reuse the spring clamp to secure the convoluted boots to the tie rods.

•	If the gear serial has a "7" in the seventh digit position (1) from the left, i.e. TNR###7#####, replace the steering gear.

Important: In both cases, reuse the outer tie rod ends.

•	Align the steering wheel and set toe.

2. If no relative motion is observed between the tie rod and the rack bar during the 50 N·m (37 lb ft) "torque to tighten" analysis, do not replace any steering components. Reinstall the tie rod boot to the rack housing with a new crimp clamp, PN 11562064. Align the steering wheel and set toe.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: