Steering wheel - centralising

1 This operation is for correcting small errors in steering wheel centralisation - up to 60º.

For larger errors, remove the steering wheel and make a rough correction by repositioning the wheel on refitting.

2 Drive the vehicle in a straight line on a level surface. Note the angle by which the steering wheel deviates from the desired straight-ahead position.

3 Raise the front of the vehicle by driving it onto ramps, or with a jack and axle stands.

4 Slacken both tie-rod end locknuts. Also slacken the steering rack bellows outer clips.

5 Make alignment marks between each tie-rod end and its rod, so that the amount of rotation applied can be accurately determined see illustration).

23.5 Make alignment marks (arrowed) between each tie-rod end and its rod when
23.5 Make alignment marks (arrowed) between each tie-rod end and its rod when centralising the steering wheel

6 Turn both tie-rods in the same direction to correct the steering wheel position. As a rough guide, 19º of tie-rod rotation will change the steering wheel position by 1º. To correct a clockwise error at the steering wheel, rotate both tie-rods anti-clockwise (when viewed from the left-hand side of the vehicle), and the reverse to correct an anticlockwise error. Both tie-rods must be rotated by the same amount.

7 Tighten the bellows clips and the tie-rod end locknuts when adjustment is correct.

Lower the vehicle.

    See also:

    Distributor components (CVH models) - removal and refitting
    1 The distributor fitted to the CVH engine is unlike any conventional distributor, in that it has no main body and no adjustments are possible. The distributor is used purely to distribute HT volt ...

    Fuel injectors and injector delivery pipes - removal and refitting
    Note: Refer to the precautions at the end of Section 1 before proceeding. It is important to note that each injection supply pipe connection in the distributor head has a screw adjacent to it. The ...

    Underbonnet lamp - removal, refitting and bulb renewal
    1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. Removal and refitting 2 Detach the wiring connector at the left-hand bonnet hinge, and attach a length of string to the end of the wire running from the lam ...