Centering the steering wheel?

[Luxy60]

I have a 21 Sport and the steering wheel seems to not be centered, about 5 deg. off to the right as you face it. It's been in to the dealer twice and they've performed an alignment which did fix a slight out of spec. issue on a front wheel. As part of the alignment process the wheels are centered but the steering wheel still appears to not be centered to me when driving on a level, straight road. Thinking I'm going to have a take a drive with the advisor to actually show them what I'm talking about. They've covered both alignments under warranty so far. Any recommendations? How hard is it to center the wheel other than the standard alignment? I've read about a drag link adjustment. Is that the next step?

Appreciate any input...I'm headed back in a few weeks for an oil change and I'd like to get this resolved at that appointment.

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[Roky]

I have a 21 Sport and the steering wheel seems to not be centered, about 5 deg. off to the right as you face it. It's been in to the dealer twice and they've performed an alignment which did fix a slight out of spec. issue on a front wheel. As part of the alignment process the wheels are centered but the steering wheel still appears to not be centered to me when driving on a level, straight road. Thinking I'm going to have a take a drive with the advisor to actually show them what I'm talking about. They've covered both alignments under warranty so far. Any recommendations? How hard is it to center the wheel other than the standard alignment? I've read about a drag link adjustment. Is that the next step?

Appreciate any input...I'm headed back in a few weeks for an oil change and I'd like to get this resolved at that appointment.

Loosen 15 mm bolt on drag link next to adjustment collar, turn it to center steering wheel then tighten bolt…… not positive on 15mm bolt size …….

 

[DavidArmen]

It’s not hard at all. You just increase/decrease the length of your drag link until both the wheels and steering wheel are perfectly straight.

 

[TylerV76]

I have a 21 Sport and the steering wheel seems to not be centered, about 5 deg. off to the right as you face it. It's been in to the dealer twice and they've performed an alignment which did fix a slight out of spec. issue on a front wheel. As part of the alignment process the wheels are centered but the steering wheel still appears to not be centered to me when driving on a level, straight road. Thinking I'm going to have a take a drive with the advisor to actually show them what I'm talking about. They've covered both alignments under warranty so far. Any recommendations? How hard is it to center the wheel other than the standard alignment? I've read about a drag link adjustment. Is that the next step?

Appreciate any input...I'm headed back in a few weeks for an oil change and I'd like to get this resolved at that appointment.

Proper torque is 34 ft-lbs when tightening back down.

 

[Luxy60]

Appreciate the replies! Will check out the video later tonight.

 

[Luxy60]

Looks like the process is a bit of trial and error. Adjust, take it for a drive, re-adjust as required. Appears that turning the collar counterclockwise when looking from the drivers side should move a wheel that's off-set to the right (clockwise) back towards center?

Proper torque is 34 ft-lbs when tightening back down.

Thanks - where did you find the torque spec.?

 

[TylerV76]

Looks like the process is a bit of trial and error. Adjust, take it for a drive, re-adjust as required. Appears that turning the collar counterclockwise when looking from the drivers side should move a wheel that's off-set to the right (clockwise) back towards center?


Thanks - where did you find the torque spec.?

I honestly don't remember which way I turned the collar to move the wheel left. I think I turned counter clockwise. The specs are listed on here. There's a thread with all the torque settings.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/torque-values-for-jeep-jl-wrangler.17791/post-518102

 

[fdFifty]

I just went through this process last week after installing a new drag link. It does take a little trial and error. By nature, the link style steering that comes on the jeep just has more play than a rack and pinion style steering would. (Rack and pinion is what you'd find on most vehicles now) Because of that play, it can be difficult to center the wheel in one shot while the vehicle is sitting still on an alignment rack.

Most shops and dealerships just aren't willing to take the time to really set it correctly. Which is a bummer, but is somewhat understandable at the same time.

The adjustments needed are small. If you do it yourself, just be sure to take your time and torque things correctly afterword. It's a useful skill to have in your back pocket, and doesn't take many special tools. It just takes a little time and I found that it's time well spent.

 

[Luxy60]

I just went through this process last week after installing a new drag link. It does take a little trial and error. By nature, the link style steering that comes on the jeep just has more play than a rack and pinion style steering would. (Rack and pinion is what you'd find on most vehicles now) Because of that play, it can be difficult to center the wheel in one shot while the vehicle is sitting still on an alignment rack.

Most shops and dealerships just aren't willing to take the time to really set it correctly. Which is a bummer, but is somewhat understandable at the same time.

The adjustments needed are small. If you do it yourself, just be sure to take your time and torque things correctly afterword. It's a useful skill to have in your back pocket, and doesn't take many special tools. It just takes a little time and I found that it's time well spent.

Very helpful. Thanks!

 

[garoto]

My steering wheel is off center about 1/4 inch to the left. If I want to bring it back towards the right ti center it, do I go Clockwise or CounterClockWise?

 

[swampflyer]

If your dealer couldn’t or wouldn’t do this find another dealer and don’t let them change your oil. Don’t let them near your jeep. Unbelievable.

 

[rickinAZ]

My steering wheel is off center about 1/4 inch to the left. If I want to bring it back towards the right ti center it, do I go Clockwise or CounterClockWise?

Situate yourself under the front of the Jeep and looking toward the driver-side front wheel. Then turn in the direction that you want the steering wheel to go. In your example, you want a clockwise correction, so adjust the knurled section of the drag link clockwise as well. Drive around and repeat as required to dial it in to your liking. Remember, many roads are crowned, so try to find a level section for your roadtest. And...make small adjustments so you don't overcorrect. It'll take a few roadtests if you're OCD - which your 1/4" adjustment tells me you are (me too).

Think about buying one of these (and a pipe wrench). They make the repeat adjustments easy.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTZXJWSH?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

 

[Sandevino]

This is the cherry on top that most "alignment techs" don't want to do as it takes time to get right.

A simple reference is turn the adjustment sleeve toward the front to move the steering wheel right and toward the rear to move the steering wheel left.

Make small adjustments, check your work and repeat as needed. Don't forget to torque the bolts when you're finished.

 

[SadRobot]

Looks like the process is a bit of trial and error. Adjust, take it for a drive, re-adjust as required. Appears that turning the collar counterclockwise when looking from the drivers side should move a wheel that's off-set to the right (clockwise) back towards center?


Thanks - where did you find the torque spec.?

A tip I learned from @roaniecowpony is when you take the Jeep for a drive bring a piece of tape with you and once you feel like the Jeep is driving straight put the tape at the top in the center of the wheel.

Then when you park it make sure the tape is centered, then adjust draglink until the wheel is straight again. Then drive it again to check before tightening up the bolt.

Adjusting is easier with a buddy in the driver seat but I usually end up turning it a bit, jumping up and checking the wheel and then adjust again until it's straight.

 

[garoto]

Still unclear on which direction turns the wheel towards the right: towards the rear of the car (clockwise) or towards the front of the car (counter clockwise).

One person said towards the rear (they said turn right for right) the other person said turn towards the front.

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