C3 steering wheel alignment

[steve beech]

Probably a dumb question, but how do I align the steering wheel on my 72 C3?
When the wheels are straight ahead, the steering wheel is misaligned to the right about 15 degrees.

[Bob E.]

C3 steering wheel alignment

Hi, I'm assuming that the steering wheel mark and steering colum mark are aligned.
Then straightening the steering wheel is part of the alignment process. After caster and camber are set, the steering wheel is held in the straight ahead position with a steering wheel holder. The front wheels are the set to straight ahead with proper toe in by adjusting the tie rod sleeves. Of course on a Corvette, the rear wheels are aligned as well in the process.

Bob #25835

[steve beech]

Re: C3 steering wheel alignment

Bob thanks for the reply. I'm still a little perplexed by the mis-alignment. On most other cars, there are splines cut in the steering shaft which of course correspond to those cut in the steering wheel. What similar mechanism achieves the initial alignment of the wheel and column on the corvette?

[Phil P.]

pitman arm/rag joint/then steer wheel to align

a car should be set up with the pitman arm aligned then tne steering box coupler (rag joint) will be the next to align---very seldom will the steering wheel need to be repositioned if the afore mentioned is correct---the tie rod ends are used to align the front wheels from the pitman arm end of the steering system---good luck,phil

[Bob E.]

C3 steering wheel alignment

Hi,
Its still the same on the Corvette. There is a mark stamped on the end of the splined steering shaft that has to be aligned with a stamped mark on the steering wheel. When these are aligned, it ensures that when the steering wheel in the straight ahead position, the pitman shaft in the steering box is correctly positioned on the center high machined spot of the worm gear.
The steering wheel can become misaligned by replacement of a tie rod end or by hitting a pothole or curb. Even by doing an alignment, if the mechanic isn't careful or fails to take the car out for a test drive after alignment, the steering wheel can be slightly off center while driving straight ahead.
When I did alignments we always test drove the cars afterwards to check for pulling and be certain the steering wheel was centered. It's only a minor adjustment of the tie rod sleeves to get the wheel centered.

Bob #25835

[Phil P.]

Re: C3 steering wheel alignment

no disrespect intended---the gear box with the pitman arm aligned to factory specs dictates the rest of the alignment---one direction would be towards the steering wheel---the other towards the front wheels---with the age of these and other autos who knows what was changed during the course of their lives---a lot of do it yourselfers that have inherited a bubbaized car want to go to the steering wheel right out of the gate to do corrections---just trying to help "align" ones thinking to look for other issues

[Bob E.]

C3 steering wheel alignment

Phil is correct. You have to be certain the rag joint is also correctly installed on the steering box stub and the lower end of the steering column.
These are old cars that we are working on and you never do know for certain what some well intentioned person has done to it before you.

Bob #25835

[Duke W.]

Re: C3 steering wheel alignment

First check the entire steering system for bent or worn parts.

Then see your AIM and CSM to understand and then verify that the steering wheel is properly indexed to the shaft and the steering shaft and steering gear worm shaft are properly aligned to the flex joint. Also check that the Pitman arm is indexed properly to the Pitman shaft

If everything is indexed properly, the tie rod end to end length should be about equal.

Over the years, improper toe setting procedures probably cocked the steering wheel. Then bubba might have "fixed" it by reindexing the steering wheel. Subsequent bubbas applied their own art and you end up with a kluge.

Go back to zero and start over beginning with a through inspection for damage and proper indexing of all parts. Then set the toe properly. Sometimes the only way to correct these problems is to take it all apart and assemble it properly.

Duke

[steve beech]

Re: C3 steering wheel alignment

Thanks to all. Records show the previous owner replaced the steering box. The problem probably lies there. I'll start with the box, and apply what you all have contributed.

Steve