Centering Steering Wheel on P-32

[max49]

My P-32 drives so nice and straight with no shimmy or pulling to either side. The tires seem to be wearing fine. In fact, I'm very impressed with the way it handles
Obviously this is the most important thing.

However ever since it was new, when I'm going straight, the steering wheel is at the 10 O'clock position. Is there an easy way that I can fix this without messing up my alignment? I don't want to fix a small problem and create a bigger problem.
Thanks

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally posted by max49: Is there an easy way that I can fix this without messing up my alignment? I don't want to fix a small problem and create a bigger problem.

Max, You can zero out the box by adjusting the drag link. Moving the adjustment on the drag link will center the steering wheel and will not affect your alignment. The tube on the drag link is held by a clamp on each side of the drag link. Loosen the clamps and you can turn the drag link tube and and center the steering wheel.

[max49]

Thanks Driver, sounds pretty easy. Now I have something to play with and won't be here looking for something to stir up.
But I might be back with more questions

[max49]

I hope I don't look stupid here but;
Can you see the tube or the clamps on the drag link? I don't see where this is adjustable unless maybe taking the Pitman arm off the steering box and moved it to the next spline.

Is mine different than yours, or am I missing something?

[DriVer]

OK Max!

Mised that one by a country mile!

You may indeed need to have your box zeroed out by a good alignment shop that can handle your P Series.

Just for a moment there I thought the P and W had the same drag link setup.

[max49]

O well, just my luck. I guess 10 O'clock will have to work for awhile longer.
It does look like you could move the Pitman arm on the splines but I don't know if that would be right way to do it.
If Brazels or Redlands see this maybe they would tell if moving the Pitman would be the right way to do it or maybe the steering wheel has splines too.
Thanks for trying to help Driver

[dieselclacker]

Max, I believe your steering shaft at the steering wheel has a very fine spline that will allow you to center the wheel. If you don't already have one, you will have to purchase or borrow a small bar type puller to remove the wheel. You can verify this by pulling the steering wheel center piece, removing the nut that secures the steering wheel to the shaft which will allow you to see the splines. The shaft has a slight taper at the splines, and will suddenly pop when you apply the force of the puller. Be careful not to damage the threads o the shaft. Also make sure you know which way you want to go with the steering wheel. The shaft and the wheel are usually marked with a punch mark or line so that you can go back to the original factory position if necessary. If its not marked, take the time to make an aligning dot with a small center punch on the steel insert in the steering wheel, and on the shaft.


Dieselclacker

Dieselclacker

[max49]

Thanks dieselclacker,
I went out and looked at it and the first thing I thought was,' how does this horn button come off?', but it popped off so easy, it's a wonder it's never fallen off. I can't see splines yet it has a weird triangular circlip over the nut and 2m bolt holes on each side of the shaft to install the puller.
I'll look at it closer and see if I have a puller that will work, or maybe I could fabricate one. I'll find out if they are metric or sae threads.
Thanks again, it looks doable.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally posted by max49: I'll look at it closer and see if I have a puller that will work, or maybe I could fabricate one. I'll find out if they are metric or sae threads.

Max, My steering wheel only goes on one way! Yours may be similar ... but I have been wrong once before in regard to the P Series.

[max49]

Maybe I'll be able tell if it has spline gears or if it seems to be in a fixed position once I get the circlip and nut off.
This is just something that I'd like to do if I can easily do it myself. The alignment seems perfect so I don't want to mess with any of that.

[Tom N]

[TandW]

My unit came through with only three of the four bolts needed to attach the steering supports on each side. The holes in the frame for the fourth bolts were offset and needed some filing with a rat-tail. Afterwards there was a great difference in handling. Good luck!

[rick_od]

I had the same problem except my steering wheel was at two o'clock. I climbed under the front and took two turns out of each tie rod end adjusting sleeves (one on each side). I then took it for a test drive. Then added back in one turn on each side (now one turn total). Took it for a test drive and then took out another 1/2 turn (1.5 turns total) and all is fine. Remember to turn them both in the same direction (ie. top forward or top rearward)with each adjustment. When I was happy, I recentered my Safe-T-Plus.

[TAN]

Mine was the same (P32) and when I had some work down on it it came back with the stering wheel crooked so i purchased a stering wheel puller for $4.95 and fixed it my self. If I can do it any one can.