Steering lock

[Parksy]

Hi all

With no keys in the ignition and the steering lock clicked in, does the wheel sit level? As in not pointing left or right, but centrally? Trying to work out if the location of the steering wheel has been modified...

Thanks

Andy

Edit: forgot to ask, does anyone have experience with adjusting the steering box and have any tips on this one? I just know not to go too tight or I might cause binding.

[MudRunnerTD]

no.

the best way to sort out your wheel is to drive in your driveway dead straight and come to a stop. remove your steering wheel and refit it in the straight position. easy. very hard with a GU and airbag though.

[BigRAWesty]

I'm guessing you wanna center the wheel after a lift. Don't..
Grab yourself an adjustable drag link and centralize your box as they have a sweet spot in the middle..

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[Parksy]

Thanks westy, I didn't want to adjust the wheel, but actually fix it using an adjustable rod. But I wasn't sure if someone had previously adjusted the steering wheel. I think it sits at about the 15-20 degree mark when in the locked position. If someone can confirm this is the correct position, then I'll know where to go from there...

[BigRAWesty]

The wheel locks of to either side of center. So if it locks further to the right than the left them now its stock.
What's it like when driving? Mine is about 10 degrees to the right when in a straightish line. :D

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[Parksy]

It sits at about the same angle when driving in a straight line as it would if locked. About 15-20 degrees to the right.

[happygu]

Parksy,

That will be because you have lifted it..... mine does the same.

Mic

[MudRunnerTD]

But if your just worried about where your steering wheel is when your driving straight in a GQ then replacing the drag link is expensive and not really needed. Don't get me wrong, great upgrade for strength but to centre the wheel just take the thing off and reset to centre position.

The sweet spot in your steering box will be identified by driving straight in the driveway with your hands off the wheel. Straight ahead you go. Take the wheel off and happy days.

The drag link is needed on a GU due to the Airbag.

Refitting the steering lock for security is set in the column I think and can be achieved regardless of where your wheels are pointing. Yes you can lock the steering at each revolution of the wheel.

To centre the wheel on a GQ is done by taking the steering wheel off if you don't already have an adjustable drag link.

Easy as. If you get a wheel alignment the guy should whip your wheel off and centre it in a blink. ;)

[Parksy]

Thanks MR. The drag link is the expensive option, but it won't be long and I'll be in need of new tie rod ends anyway, they arent showing any excess movement, they just feel a little loose, plus I like to have everything stronger.
But I might have a play today...
Anyone made adjustments to their steering boxes?

[BigRAWesty]

Not yet but I'm keen to see how the tie rod end comes off of it.. mine was no nut??? Unless its hidden..

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[Parksy]

Pretty sure mine is still factory, which has the tie rods welded in place. Stupid design, but I guess it makes nissan money.

[Parksy]

Ok, had a play with the steering box today. When sitting in the car with key in the ignition rocking the steering wheel backwards and forwards I could hear a distinct knocking sound. With the missus rocking the steering and me with my hand on the steering box it was obvious that was the source.
So I adjusted the adjusting screw on the top of the box. Tried a quarter of a turn first, was still a knock, so tried another one eighth of a turn and no more knock.
Decided to also flush the system and bleed it at the same time. Ended up running out of power steering fluid because the stuff coming out was so dirty.
In the pic on the left, that's what the fluid looked like after pumping a litre through. The stuff on the right is new fluid.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Pakas/4C94C8BA-64C9-499F-BA7B-017154EFA212-5598-00000439B3BBF209.jpg

When taken out for a quick spin, the steering is instantly improved. No more vagueness and feels alot more direct.

What I did notice about flushing the system is that fluid only comes out when holding the steering wheel to the left. When held in the straight ahead position, nothing comes out. To me, this would indicate that if lifting the vehicle, the tie rod length needs to be adjusted to suit the proper "straight ahead position" otherwise risk having the power steering system running overtime.

This is my take on it anyway, happy to hear other opinions.

[BigRAWesty]

How is it when doing full lock to full lock? Many find if the middle is nice the ends are a bit tight?

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[Parksy]

Tested full lock and haven't found any binding or stiffness. I only adjusted far enough to eliminate the knocking sound, which to me seems like the gear teeth were floating between each other. Too much backlash. But all good now. Highly recommend everyone check their steering boxes! :)