Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Has anyone found that after a bash in the bush, their steering isn't centred when they get back onto the hard stuff?

I took my 95 hilux for a spin this arvo and found that when i was back on the black stuff my steering wheel was rotated about 45 degrees to the left.

I had a look under the truck when i got home and nothing was loose.

Any feedback or comments would be appreciated.

unbreakable wrote:Has anyone found that after a bash in the bush, their steering isn't centred when they get back onto the hard stuff?

I took my 95 hilux for a spin this arvo and found that when i was back on the black stuff my steering wheel was rotated about 45 degrees to the left.

I had a look under the truck when i got home and nothing was loose.

Any feedback or comments would be appreciated.

Mine has done the same a couple of weeks ago after a reasonably hard hit into a hole. Still haven't had a chance to see what it is. Thinking possibly a bent J arm. Still drives straight, steering wheel is not centred.

Yeah used to get that.
All sorts of things can cause it

Bent tie rod arm
twisted out put shaft on box
Worn tie rod ends
The ball on the J arm is more then likely worn so it allows it all to move.
The J arm might have a hair line crack i it, this is very common if used hard.

Common as also look at the end of your pitman arm there the ball is pressed in they tend to have a habbit of workin loose not alot you can do for it apart from buy another one also j arm balls are the same.
With the steering wheel being off center if you get the wheel alingment done every 5 to 10 thousand K's just pull the wheel off and move it on the splines. If it has had a big hit best to get it checked over properly

I think it may have done the damage at a steep creek crossing. At the bottom of the creek someone had got stuck and trying to dig their way out, created a deep rut. I only noticed the rut under water when the right hand side dipped down quite quickly.

Thanks for the info gents. I'll have a good look on the weekend.

I'd already had my J arm ball replaced. This caused almost a 1/4 turn or free play in the steering.

On the way to work this morning I noticed that the steering wheel had centred itself back to where it should be. I have no idea how or why!

I had that going on for a while. Turned out to be rear axle was not located too good . The pin on the spring had gouged out the perch so I fixed it. Put a mark on the spring and the perch and see if they move at all

I just don't understand how it corrected itself overnight!

unbreakable wrote:I just don't understand how it corrected itself overnight!

You might have loose balls.

The J arm and Pitman have the pressed in balls that come loose, they can be reco'd/replaced. before mine became loose enough to cause freeplay the wheel would occasionally go out.

Have you been talking to my doctor sierrajim! hehehe

Seriously though, thanks for the advice, i'll have a look tonight and let you know.

cheers

skye