93_five_oh

I ordered a new rack and pinion and solid steering column...
Before i start installing it, i was wondering if anyone has any tips on getting the steering wheel lined up/centered correctly.

I'm sure i will eventually get it perfect, but i don't really want to have to keep undoing the column until i get it centered.

Thanks!

TrimDrip

turn it all the way to the right or left

mattdel

umm.. no.

center the wheel as best you can. the connection at the end of the shaft should only be able to go onto the rack 1 way, shaped kinda like a U. measure the tie rod length from each side and get them as close to equal length as you can, and the steering shaft should be almost perfectly lined up if the wheel is still centered.

TrimDrip

sorry about that, I was thinking of something else.

That will work on a Taurus when taking the axles out to change shocks.

You can use string tied to jacks to help align the wheels.

greg94

also, be careful if your car has air bags...you can ruin the "clock spring" if you turn the steering wheel to far while everything is disconnected

Liquid_02

Since you're replacing everything. Yank it all out, don't worry about lining anything up, Install the rack, center it (turn it all the way one way, then all the way they other, then cut that in half, there's your centered rack). Attach your steering column/shaft, center it. Voila. Then you just need a wheel alignment to get it perfect.

UNLESS after reading your post you by solid steering column, you mean the shaft? If that's the case center your steering wheel, wrap a bungee cord around it then put both ends to the bottom of the seat if you feel like it. Remove the rack, install the new one, center it just like I said earlier, verify your steering wheel is still centered, Attach. If your car has air bags, center the rack before disconnecting the shaft from the rack, same method as before.