Centered steering wheel?

[jwilliams81]

In my 31' two-tooth, my steering wheel is not centered.
Meaning the "X" of the spokes does not look like that, it is off by about 1".
It's in between a "+" and "x" if that makes sense.

I know you can clock the steering wheel, and I did that trying to get the "X" of the spokes which is what I am trying to get to.

My toe-in is as best as I can get it to the 1/16" +/- 1/32".
Is it possible to have toe-in set correctly and the steering wheel not centered? Or is my toe really off and that is why the steering wheel is not centered?

[1931 flamingo]

You may end up getting an adjustable drag link.
Paul in CT

[Marshall V. Daut]

Some '30-31 steering wheels have two keyways so that you can move the spokes over a little. You'll have to pull the light switch ring up, though, in order to check. If you don't like the alternate position either, you could remove the steering wheel and cut in a new groove in its hub after marking where you want the spokes to end up. The wheel cuts very easily. You'd probably have to use a hacksaw to make several passes until you could get a small file inside the hub to finish out the keyway. Maybe a small reciprocating saw?
Marshall

[jwilliams81]

There must be something simple I am missing. I have clocked the steering wheel both ways at this point.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Reminds me of parking, with ALL your valve stems in the SAME position---LOL
Bill Slob

[jwilliams81]

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Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Reminds me of parking, with ALL your valve stems in the SAME position---LOL
Bill Slob

That's easier to adjust. Just jack up each wheel and rotate to desired position.

[GRutter]

Do you have a reproduction or shortened Pitman steering arm ?
I've heard that some of the reproduction parts were off. If not original, I'd try an original Pitman arm.

Any rebuilds of your steering box that would cause the worm gear to not be in the correct position (lower cup and race assembly not fully seated, for example?)

Any rebuild of Pitman arm that could have resulted in it's length being altered, such as replacement cups ?

As you've probably already discovered, the 2 keyed slots in the steering wheel will change position from X to +, but will not help you out if you're in-between.

[100IH]

Without an adjustable drag link, there is no adjustment as the car is built. The only fudge factor would be to shift the box away from center where there is the least slop to a place where there is more slop. One could also shim the stationary ball cups in the drag link so as to lengthen or shorten the link. Wrong to assume that adjustment was built in somewhere. Anything that is worn or bent might throw off the center of the steering wheel.

[john in illinois]

If you examine the parts diagram of the front drag link end you will see that as you tighten the end plug it will move the ball cap and ball in, shortening the pitman arm.

I have never read anything about this and I have not tried it because I have adjustable links on my cars. The slot for the cotter key is long,so some adjustment is possible as long as the spring is tight enough. It only takes a small adjustment to move sreering wheel.

It is important to have the steering wheel centered so that the worm gear is centered on the high point for minimum play.


John

[Keith True]

The steering wheel itself is not centered,like a modern car.On setup you are supposed to put the keyway in a certain position,which is supposed to put the hourglass worm in the correct position for straight ahead.There is something of a master spline on the shaft where the worm presses on,but I don't think I've ever found the worm to be in the exact correct position with the keyway where it says to put it.I always put the worm to where it needs to be,and start adjustments from there.It you try to center the wheel the straight ahead position could have the worm a little to the right or left,that leaves your straight ahead position with slop..I have four A's,none of the steering wheels are in the same positions when straight.I think Marshall has the best idea,if it bothers you file in a new keyway where you like it.Centering of the worm is what is important,not the wheel spokes.