Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Steering wheel problem

Ok, my svt's steering wheel is not centered, and hasen't been since I bought the car. I don't really have the cash to get an alignment done, just to center the steering wheel. The actual wheel alignment of the car is fine. Now, is it possible to remove the steering wheel, and realign it. I don't want to blindly disassemble the steering wheel, for fear of setting off the air bag. Does anyone know is its possible to center the steering wheel this way? If so does anyone know how, or have a link to removing the steering wheel? Thanx for any help.

The correct way to center the steering wheel is to adjust the tie rod ends. You don't want to mess with the steering wheel and air bag, and I'm pretty sure that it is indexed in such a manner that that you can't move it by removing it trying to reposition it.

If you feel that you must try to adjust it, loosen the tie rod clamps and move them both equal amounts in the same direction (not both toward each other or away from each other), about a 1/4 turn at a time. Tighten the clamps and drive it around the block to see if you moved it in the correct direction and how much correction you have made. Repeat until you have the wheel centered.

I must caution you that if you do not make the changes evenly, you will mess up the toe adjustment and you could cause a tire wear problem.

How far off is it???

This can be caused by subframe movement.

Its not that far off, maybee 20 degrees to the right. Messing with the tie rods scares me. I 've also noticed that the car is a little lower on the drivers side, it could just be where i'm parking, but i'm pretty sure it is, not much just a bit. I think i'll save my pennies and take it in for an alignment. How would I know if there is something wrong with the sub frame?