Stering Wheel and Hub Alignment/Position

[mlewis]

All,

Fitting my steering wheel and steering hub.

First, does the alignment of the steering wheel hub relative to the dash look correct in the below pic (i.e. angle toward the PS ?

107992

Second, in terms of fully seating the hub onto the steering shaft, should the shaft fully seat (bottom out) within the hub (it's a tight fit).


107993

Thanks.

[edwardb]

The steering shaft is not perpendicular to the dash. It does angle in the way you're showing. Necessary to have the steering wheel in a decent location, but still make it's way through the footbox and around the engine. You'll find the seat doesn't exactly point straight ahead either. :p You'll get used to it and not even notice very quickly. Yes the shaft does fully seat in the hub. No hurry to draw it in. And be warned, you'll almost for sure need a wheel puller to get it back off. This one from Harbor Freight works fine. https://www.harborfreight.com/Bolt-Type-Wheel-Puller-Set-62620.html.

[gkp200]

Just to save you trouble in the future, make sure the "T" is at the top with the wheels straight ahead. I had to take my steering shaft out to adjust it several splines over for the steering wheel to be aligned with the wheels. Easier to do that now.

[CraigS]

Also it may be worth it to move the bearing to the inside of the firewall. that way it is easier to loosen everything up when you need to twist the shaft a spline or two. Otherwise the shaft is captured between the firewall and rack and nearly impossible to get loose enough to get the joint off the splines. I am not sure what the differences are but some people have trouble moving the bearing while others seem to do it relatively easily.

[mlewis]

Thanks all for the helpful feedback:

1) alignment normal
2) don't crank down the hub until needed (another tool purchase to remove if needed)
3) T on the top
4) cushion bearing on the inside of the fire wall (already had this covered but appreciate the direction on this).

Should I do anything to the shaft to loosen up the fit on the hub or just leave as is (which seem like and excessive interference) ?

Thanks again.

[dhuff]

Just to save you trouble in the future, make sure the "T" is at the top with the wheels straight ahead. I had to take my steering shaft out to adjust it several splines over for the steering wheel to be aligned with the wheels. Easier to do that now.

Note that if you are using a 99-04 rack that alignment will not be good since there are not any splines for adjustment.

[edwardb]

Should I do anything to the shaft to loosen up the fit on the hub or just leave as is (which seem like and excessive interference)?

No, unless you like your steering wheel to have play in it. :rolleyes: You'll be pulling an aluminum hub onto a steel shaft. As long as it starts into the opening, it will go. Leave it at zero clearance.

[mlewis]

No, unless you like your steering wheel to have play in it. You'll be pulling an aluminum hub onto a steel shaft. As long as it starts into the opening, it will go. Leave it at zero clearance

Noted and agreed.

Thanks !