Alignment and steering wheel position

[Legal Bill]

After taking my car around the block for a few run-in miles, I notice that my steering wheel is a bit off center. I have a wood rim wheel that came from Healey Surgeons and I think it was made by Mike Lempert. I think the first thing I need to do is remove the steering wheel and rotate it counter clockwise one hole. But even then it won't be perfectly lined up. What is the method for getting it perfectly lined up once you get it as close as you can on the hub? Do you have to do this at the road wheels by adjusting the tie rod ends?

 

[John Turney]

.... But even then it won't be perfectly lined up. What is the method for getting it perfectly lined up once you get it as close as you can on the hub? Do you have to do this at the road wheels by adjusting the tie rod ends?

Yes. You shorten one and lengthen the other by the same amount.

 

[RAC68]

John,

I am a little confused as my Healey is toe-in-only adjusted by rotating the cross rod. If you decide to adjust each ball end, you will have to disassemble each ball-end from steering box and Idler arm to rotate separately on the cross rod. By doing this, you will alter any prior measurements and need to realign the car when reassembled.

Bill, the common way to reset your steering wheel is to undo the setscrews and withdraw the trafficator as far as practical without stressing the wiring. After pulling the circle clip, you can withdraw the steering wheel and reposition on the splined steering column. There are enough splines to position to Healey perfection.

All the best,
Ray (64BJ8P1)

 

[Bob_Spidell]

If you can't get it exactly right--even with the fine splines--position it slightly to the right with the wheels straight ahead. More often than not, you'll be holding a slight bit of 'left' steering wheel to compensate for road camber--in the States, at least--so the center spoke will be near vertical when cruising on straight roads.

 

[Legal Bill]

Thanks guys. I'll try it at the wheel first.