Steering - Steering Wheel Off Center When Driving Straight

Bulletin No: 02-004/12
Last Issued:09/19/2012

Subject:
STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER WITHOUT DRIFT OR PULL





BULLETIN NOTE





APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS

DESCRIPTION

Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3 even when driving straight on a flat road.

Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

1. Verify customer concern and make sure there is no drift or pull concern.

^ If the steering is pulling to the right or the left, this procedure does not apply. Refer to MS3 online instructions for troubleshooting.

2. Measure the offset using "Measurement of Steering Wheel Offset."

^ If the offset is 3 or less, it is considered normal.

^ If the offset is more than 3, adjust the steering wheel center using "Adjustment of Steering Wheel Center."

3. Verify repair.

Measurement of Steering Wheel Offset





1. Visually align the steering wheel to its center, then apply tape on the steering wheel and the steering column cover.





2. Put an alignment mark on the tape.





3. Drive the vehicle and align the steering wheel to its driving center, then put another mark on the tape.





4. Measure the distance between the two lines. The offset can be approximately calculated using 1mm = 1 of offset.

Adjustment of Steering Wheel Center





1. Put an alignment mark over the tie-rod end and tie-rod as shown.





2. Remove the boot clamp (A), then loosen the lock nut (B).

3. Rotate the tie-rod to adjust the steering wheel center. Refer to the following charts for rotating direction.

NOTE:
Rotate both sides of the tie-rod by the same amount.





- Steering wheel offset direction and tie-rod rotating direction - FRONT WHEEL DRIVE (Vehicles with steering gear mounted to the rear side of the front axle)





REAR WHEEL DRIVE (Vehicles with steering gear mounted to the front side of the front axle)





- (Reference) Steering wheel offset and tie-rod rotating angle -

4. Tighten the lock nut. Refer to MS3 online instructions for the tightening torque.

5. Straighten the boot, then attach the boot clamp.

6. Verify repair.





WARRANTY INFORMATION