Wheel alignment problem - 80 series

[Emo]

It seems that every time I hit the tracks I come home with the steering wheel pointing at strange angles. Sometimes to the left and sometimes to the right. A wheel alignement fixes it but it seems strange that it's happening all the time. I didn't do anything too hard at Gembrook today but the steering wheel is about 30 degrees tilting right.
Does anyone else have a similar problem with an 80 series? Does it sound as if there might be some other roblem like they're not tightening stuff up properly after each alignment? I've now been out 3 times in the last 6 weeks and it looks like 3 wheel alignments. $135 that could be spent on better stuff.

[crankycruiser]

Its not unsual to twist the main shaft in the steering box.. but if its changing directionsthen i reckon that would rulel that out

[simkell]

does this affect the handling of the vehicle, or is it just causing the steering wheel to be off centre. more info needed to work out probable causes. i have never had this problem with my 80, but with other cars, it has been splines in the steering wheel or on the top of the steering box.

[G_loomis]

My 60 series does a similar thing occasionally...The truck still drove normally, and steered perfectly...so I wasnt that concerned.

But it wasnt an every offroad trip occurance either. I have checked every aspect of the steering components and toghtened all nuts and bolts. Still does it every now and again.

But I have figured out it only happens when I have a lot of loud on the steering. (like when wheel facing one in a rutt and you want it to face the oppisite way.)

[Emo]

does this affect the handling of the vehicle, or is it just causing the steering wheel to be off centre. more info needed to work out probable causes. i have never had this problem with my 80, but with other cars, it has been splines in the steering wheel or on the top of the steering box.

It still drives fine apart from the fact that the steering wheel isn't straight. Handling doesn't appear to be affected in anyway. I had the steering box replaced earlier this year so I hope it isn't that. It is under warranty though.

[simkell]

sounds like the problem might be the wheel is spinning on the coloum, the steerimg coloum is spinning at the box end or the shaft is twisting upon it self. check for play within the steering coloum. let us know how you go

[Emo]

sounds like the problem might be the wheel is spinning on the coloum, the steerimg coloum is spinning at the box end or the shaft is twisting upon it self. check for play within the steering coloum. let us know how you go

OK, whats the best way to do that?

[simkell]

you will need two people to do it. someone has to hold the steering shaft as close as they can to the fire wall (engine bay), someone grab the wheel and shake from side to side to see if there is play at the steering wheel end. next, do the same again but holding it at the top of the box. this should give you a bit of an idication if there is a problem within your coloum. aslo try turning the wheel with engine off and see if the wheel slips on the shaft. good luck have fun.

[Emo]

Thanks, I'll give it a try when I've got a second pair of hands around.

[eye-for-detail]

after going for a play with simkell in my lux yesterday ,i ended up with same problem. just had wheel alignment done last thursday. never had problems before wheel alignment got done. everything has checked out fine, drives well ,etc
taking it back to oldmate tomorrow and ask him whats the go
keep ya posted


P.S. hey simkell

[buckingfox]

I have just experienced same thing with my 80. Emo, did you ever work it out?

[Sic Lux]

It'll be as said above like a slight twist in the shafts in steering components or slight movement of the diff left to right under the car hence changing the distance between pitman arm end and steering arm on diff If they can be adjusted same as a tie rod you just need to turn it till it's straight either by shorting or lenghtening it if they can't be adjusted say a GU for instance with std draglink it's a case of pulling the wheel off to get it pointing straight ahead or when setting toe actualy pulling one tierod end out however more turn's than other side or getting it straight by undoing steering shaft to box and getting it right that way mothod i use depends on what wheel it has fitted if it has a airbag it can be a pain in the ass to get the wheel off. Say a lux with std or sports wheel check camber castor (Not adjustable but will show if somethings bent or out of spec) set the toe drive it to see where the wheels at then pull it off and straighten it then re check it
A good trip off road will still change the toe a fair bit but maybe not nesasary for a wheel alingment after every trip
If any one wants to know more post up Q's

[Z()LTAN]

did you check the adjustable tie rod ends?

They may be twisting in the locking mechanism

[Tapage]

Did you already check your drag link .. ? I hit it in a trip and my wheel stering back to home 30degrees to the right ..

[buckingfox]

Thanks for the replies guys. It's due it's 200k service anyway so I'll get the mechanic to check it out then. It's also been suggested I check the splines going into the steering box to see if they are twisted.

I'll post the outcome once I know what it is.