Off Center Steering Wheel

[RJEV]

We recently had our 2008 Allegro 32LA, Ford, aligned and now the steering wheel is quite off center. The alignment guy said the steering wheel had to be pulled by Ford and centered. Ford said the wheel can't be pulled and centered. According to Ford when aligned the wheel should have been centered first and then aligned making adjustments as needed to keep the steering wheel centered. Any thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks,
Robert

[RJEV]

We recently had our 2008 Allegro 32LA, Ford, aligned and now the steering wheel is quite off center. The alignment guy said the steering wheel had to be pulled by Ford and centered. Ford said the wheel can't be pulled and centered. According to Ford when aligned the wheel should have been centered first and then aligned making adjustments as needed to keep the steering wheel centered. Any thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks,
Robert

[auto]

Through 2006 the f53 has only one adjustable tie rod end. Both right & left are needed to center the wheel while adjusting the toe. The wheel must be removed and reinstalled on the spine closest to center. If your 2008 has two adj. tierod ends and or an srs airbag the wheel should not need be removed.

[John Hilley]

Take a look at this bulletin F53 MOTOR HOME CHASSIS CLEAR VISION AND ALIGNMENT POLICY CHANGE

[Redlands Truck and RV]

RJEV,

As you have found, the toe got set and now your steering wheel is off center. On all other chassis' except for the Ford we center the steering wheel by adjusting the drag link. Since Ford has a non adjustable drag link this leaves most alignment shops in the dark. There is an adjustable drag link available or you can have your alignment shop call me and I will share a method that will allow them to center the wheel with little or no cost.

Thanks,

[georgetown350]

We had a steering box replaced and when I left the dealer the steering wheel was off center.

Took it back and the mechanic got underneath and centered it quite easily.

Ocal Ford

[Snowfitter]

I have a 2006 F53 and its a very easy job to center the wheel. There are 2 plastic caps on the back side of the steering wheel and when you remove them there are 2 screws that hold the face plate on. Under the face plate there is a large nut to remove that holds the steering wheel on. I bought a universal puller at Harbor Freight for $10.00 and pulled the steering wheel off and put it back on straight. Antbody can do this in less then a hour. Hope this helps.

[Yellowboat]

I have a 2005 Ford F53 Chassis. As John Hilley sent you, Ford has issued a bulletin on how to align your steering wheel.

And as Snowfitter said, it is easy to align your steering wheel yourself. Unless Ford has changed its F53 chassis in recent years motor home chassis do not have air bags installed.

I pulled my steering wheel and changed my alignment. I'm now happy with the alignment. The bulletin will tell you how many degrees each spline will change your steering wheel alignment. I think I moved my steering wheel two splines clockwise.

Good Luck.

[Redapple]

Snowfitter and Yellowboat are both right on the money.

I did the same thing when I first bought my MH in 06.

Bill

[RJEV]

Thanks for all the input but it is my understanding from Ford that after 2006 and the addition of airbags that one can no longer center the steering wheel by removing it. Apparently the airbag and the way the wheel is attached prevents centering of the wheel at the steering wheel. This came from the Ford regional rep. If anyone has done it this way with an F53 after 06 please let me know.
Thanks,
Robert

[tderonne]

Airbags? Better check that again....

[RJEV]

Tim wrote: Airbags? Better check that again....

Tim.

I know. I've gotten much bad info from both Ford and the alignment shop about this. However Keith at Redlands has been very helpful and I will go back to the alignment shop with his suggestions as soon as I get off the road for awhile. I just hoped that someone had some experience with the alignment of a 2008 Ford F53 since there were changes made to the steering after the 06s.

Thanks,
Robert

[tderonne]

Suspension changes (ride height,front track bar) were made in '04. '06 introduced the 3 valve and 5 speed trans.

I talked to Keith too. Sounds like you found the right guy to be calling.