Steering wheel off after wheel alignment

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ra_01
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Steering wheel off after wheel alignment

Post by ra_01 »

Hi

Yesterday I had to take my patrol for wheel balance and alignment.

During the alignment, they noticed the steering wheel is slightly off after straightening the wheel. Apparently, patrols doesn't come with steering wheel adjuster and I have to purchase an after market in a 4x4 shop, or they have to take the steering wheel out and adjust it. This didn't make any sense.

I had a chat with Dion(service manager) at Nissan Midrand. He reckons this has to be adjusted electronically using the computer.

Has anyone came across this before?
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Rahul
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Re: Steering wheel off after wheel alignment

Post by Michael »

Hi Rahul, yes the Patrols are all like that.
Only way to fix it is to have an adjustable arm installed.

Just search the forum, Peter Connan makes adjustable versions of these for R1,000 or R1,200.....not sure, but this will solve your problem.

Some Patrols came out with adjustable ones, but the tie rod ends cannot be changed and you have to buy a complete one if they need changing.
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Re: Steering wheel off after wheel alignment

Post by Michael »

Here is the link to the thread

Adjustable drag link link.....
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Re: Steering wheel off after wheel alignment

Post by ra_01 »

Hi Michael

Thank you for the post, does 4x4 mega world (ARB) or ironman dealers stocks these?

I am beginning to get pi$$€d off with Nissan right now

"Oh, the suspension is still stock"
Regards
Rahul
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Re: Steering wheel off after wheel alignment

Post by Peter Connan »

ra_01 wrote:Hi
I had a chat with Dion(service manager) at Nissan Midrand. He reckons this has to be adjusted electronically using the computer.

Has anyone came across this before?
I wish Nissan would employ people who actually know what they were doing. There is no computerised adjustment that will fix this.

However, if the suspension is still standard, and assuming the wheel was straight before, then I suspect the wheel alignment may have been buggered up. Have you still got the print-out from the alignment machine? Are all values (especially toe-in) within limits, and do they show any big changes?

There is only one single adjustment on a standard Patrol suspension, and that is the toe of the front wheels. If any other values show big changes, then either the alignment shop did something wrong (such as not setting up their sensors squarely on the wheels), or you have bent wheels, or there is a lot of play in some of the bushes. Any of these things are things you should investigate.

If your suspension is lifted, it is common for the steering wheel to be off a bit. This is not really a problem, and personally I would be inclined to leave it alone. However, if iut really worries you, you have two options. First is to remove the steering wheel and re-fit it straight (be careful not to pop the air bag, you need to disconnect the battery and leave it for a few minutes before you start fiddling), or get an adjustable drag link.

I do make them, but am quite far behind the demand at the moment and too busy at work and preparing for an upcoming trip to Namibia to do anything about it right now. I do not know of any other suppliers, but it's not a complicated thing, and any good auto engineering works should be able to make one up for you. I will even supply the drawings free of charge.
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Re: Steering wheel off after wheel alignment

Post by ra_01 »

Hi All,

Been very busy.

Just an update, my patrol is stock standard. So, the wheel alignment center (TWC) messed it up.
Using a computer to center the steering wheel is a load of @#$$

Took it to another wheel alignment center and every is sorted now (without adjustable drag link etc).
Regards
Rahul
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