Suspension, Chassis, and Brakes Shocks, springs, cages, brakes, sub-frame connectors, etc.

New K member and alignment probs.. Reclock steering wheel?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 8, 2004 | 08:06 PM
  #1  
SMOKNZ's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 1,178
From: Cleveland, WI
New K member and alignment probs.. Reclock steering wheel?

I installed a BMR K-member with my new motor. I took the car all over trying to get someone to align it. The chevy garage was the only place that would do it. Well they got it aligned, but my steering wheel is not close to being straight, it's turned over 90 degs The alignment tech told me that he was not confident moving the tie rods that much to make it work. He suggested cutting the rack mounts on the K-member and rewelding them to center the steering wheel. I'm not about to do that! I'd slot the holes with a die grinder and a carbide burr and slide it over before I do that Could I pull the steering wheel and put it back on straight? It's on a splined shaft, right? I have never pulled a 4th gen steering wheel before. Any suggestions?

Bill

Last edited by SMOKNZ; Jul 8, 2004 at 08:10 PM.
Old Jul 9, 2004 | 10:06 AM
  #2  
Cody's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 101
From: Cheyenne, Wyoming
that makes no sense. you should be able to pull the steering knuckle and rotate the steering wheel where it should be real close.Myself I installed a steering wheel with a quick diconnect so I welded it so that the wheel is straight.
Old Jul 9, 2004 | 04:13 PM
  #3  
SMOKNZ's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 1,178
From: Cleveland, WI
makes no sence??? Apparently to get the wheel straight one tie rod would need to be threaded way on, and the other would be barely on any threads. The whole rack needs to be moved. I looked in the manual for the car and it looks like I can just pull the steering wheel and put it back on straight.
Old Jul 11, 2004 | 04:36 AM
  #4  
IllusionalTA's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,542
From: Long Island, NY ; Norfolk, VA
It's quite possible and very likely that your rack rotated some during the install.. Just take it to a experianced shop they'll be able to fix it right.. or you can do it yourself by locking the steering wheel...pulling off the shaft and moving the tires till the shaft is in the direction you need to be.. then just putting the shaft back on.. then get er realigned.. you'll be alot closer that way..

Last edited by IllusionalTA; Jul 11, 2004 at 04:45 AM.
Old Jul 11, 2004 | 06:05 PM
  #5  
SMOKNZ's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 1,178
From: Cleveland, WI
Thats exactly what I did. I lost the use of the horn in the process, but no big deal.
Old Jul 12, 2004 | 05:22 AM
  #6  
IllusionalTA's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,542
From: Long Island, NY ; Norfolk, VA
you might have spun the wheel too much.. but oh well. its straight now right?
Old Jul 12, 2004 | 03:10 PM
  #7  
SMOKNZ's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 1,178
From: Cleveland, WI
The actual alignment (wheel angles) was right, but the steering wheel was not straight. It is now!
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Fastbird93
Parts For Sale
24
Apr 9, 2016 07:01 PM
Airplanedoc
General 1967-2002 F-Body Tech
0
Feb 1, 2015 07:14 PM
CaRParts102
Parts For Sale
0
Dec 6, 2014 08:45 AM
ro2207
LT1 Based Engine Tech
14
Dec 4, 2014 06:18 PM
Darth Xed
Automotive News / Industry / Future Vehicle Discussion
13
Jul 22, 2002 12:45 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:06 PM.