[Healeys] Steering Wheel Question

[warthodson at aol.com]

A few thoughts on the subject:
I do not believe that it is possible to determine when the two front wheels are pointing straight ahead by sight. First, set the toe in. Drive the car to make sure the suspension has "set in". On a long straight level driveway, roll the car backwards as far as possible & then forward as far as possible. Do not hold onto the steering wheel. The front suspension caster will self-center the wheels equally. If the car does not roll straight I.E. If it pulls to the left or right every time you roll it forward something is wrong. The possibilities are many. Lets assume it rolls straight. 
Now look at the steering wheel orientation. If the center spoke is not vertical the only adjustment is to reposition it on the steering column splines. This is not a very fine adjustment.
Some people thing that the wheels are straight ahead when the steering column is centered on the "tight spot". That is only true at one specific toe in setting which might not be the toe in you have or want. You can reposition the steering wheel by changing the toe in but that is of course not the purpose of toe in & not the correct way to set the steering wheel.    
   
This all assumes the suspension/steering are in good condition. 
For example, if the rear axle is loose it will affect the front steering including the steering wheel orientation.

Gary Hodson
 


 
  
   
    
 

  
 
  
 
 




 
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