Centering Manual Steering Rack

Centering the steering rack on a manual steering car should be the first step in any mechanical adjustments to the steering system. The rack should be centered whenever the steering gear has been installed and prior to installing tie rods.

Before centering the rack, make sure that the steering gear is firmly mounted and that the universal joint shaft is correctly installed on the pinion shaft of the gearbox.

The steering rack is properly centered when the rack protrudes an equal length from each end of the steering gear housing, as shown in Fig. 7-10. When the steering rack is centered, the steering wheel spokes should be approximately horizontal. If not, see Removing and Installing Steering Wheel.

Fig. 7-10.

Centering manual steering rack. Dimension a is measured from ends of steering rack and must be equal on both ends.