Centering a steering rack isn’t as hard as you think. Let Tommy show you how it’s done!…(read more)
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If you’re experiencing a vibration or pulling to one side while driving, it could be a sign that your steering rack is not properly centered. A centered steering rack ensures that your vehicle’s wheels are aligned, allowing for smooth and straight driving. Fortunately, centering a steering rack is a relatively simple process that can be done with some basic tools and a little bit of patience.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to center a steering rack:
1. Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine. Make sure the wheels are facing straight ahead.
2. Begin by locating the steering rack, which is usually located underneath the vehicle near the front wheels. It is a long metal bar that connects the steering wheel to the wheels and is essential for proper steering and control.
3. Use a jack to lift the front of the car off the ground and secure it with jack stands for safety.
4. Locate the tie rod ends, which are the adjustable links that connect the steering rack to the wheels. There are usually two tie rod ends—one on each side of the rack.
5. Loosen the lock nuts on the tie rod ends using a wrench. This will allow you to adjust the length of the tie rods, which in turn will center the steering rack.
6. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and count the number of rotations it takes to reach the lock. Then, turn it all the way to the right and count the number of rotations again.
7. Divide the total number of rotations by two to find the center point. For example, if it took three rotations to reach the left lock and three rotations to reach the right lock, the center point would be at 1.5 rotations.
8. Use a tape measure to adjust the tie rod ends on each side. Turn the tie rod ends to lengthen or shorten them until both sides are at the same distance from the center point.
9. Once the tie rod ends are adjusted and the steering rack is centered, tighten the lock nuts to secure the tie rod ends in place.
10. Lower the car back to the ground and test drive it to ensure that the steering is straight and there is no pulling to one side.
By following these steps, you can center the steering rack of your vehicle and improve its driving performance. However, if you are uncomfortable with performing this task yourself, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic for assistance. A properly centered steering rack will not only improve your driving experience but also ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle.
Is that a Bahco adjustable spanner, pre-ergo? Swedish quality.
You lost me at “you rotate the input shaft”. Hey mechanics, you’re welcome. I feed you and I’m ok with that.
Something so simple that needs explained. Once you think about it, like duh. You mark full lock to each side then go back to the middle. Lol. Obviously theres more than 1 rotation because of gear reduction. But same principal.
Does this work the same way on a power steering box
About ten minutes before replacing the steering rack and this video pops up 🙂
How's young Sheldon?
Legit getting ready to change my steering gear in my truck next week this helps alot
I have no idea what I just watched and that’s ok
Sorry I don't know sweet fa about mechanics….I'd centre the wheels then replace the stearing wheel or is that just wrong….
Always have a proper alignment done after you do suspension or steering work
personally i prefer recirculating ball or worm and gear manual steering, avoids bump steer too!
I’m dizzy
Great..make my alignment more easy, sometimes steering rack installer are not known this procedure.
I just use a tape measure and measure the length from the clamp on the bellow holding it to the rack to the end of the inner tie-rod and make each side identical and your done…
Thanks
I found if the revolutions are say 3, you'll need to turn 1.5 turns which will bring the shaft mark opposite & away from your 2 markers. A direct opposite being halfway on the markers
I was getting ready to buy a used rack off ebay and the seller told me I needed to take it to a specialist to center it. I think I should be able to handle this thanks. Great vid. Also was wondering if a spline socket can be used to do this or are those two sections independent?
I’m so mad that this was so easy
I pull my steering columb without marking anything, you're saving me
Is this for all cars our just for this one
Lololol you wouldn't believe the things I've been doing to centre it lololololol
There's no difference between an adjustable and a fixed and damage to the spline.
Wow! Who would have thought!
Better to know it and not need it than to need it and not know it. Brilliant deduction.
If the wheels are straight does that mean the rack n pinion is centered
The steering wheel is also straight
That shaft has a flat which should connect to a corresponding flat on the steering column. Some cars use a master spline instead. Fit the rack, connect the steering wheel and it’s now easy to find the centre point.
I was told to never use that