Steering Wheel isn’t straight

[LostWoods]

And again, if you do your own adjustment, MAKE SURE THE BALL JOINTS ARE CENTERED BEFORE YOU TIGHTEN THE SLEEVES.

Can't stress that enough because failure to do so can lead to you needing to replace the ends much sooner than desired. You're fine if both are maxed out forward or backward but if you end up doing worst case with them cranked in opposite directions, I've seen them develop play in just 5k-10k miles. You'd be on the shorter end of that with larger tires.

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[travist09]

True, I'm just assuming the shop did the alignment but maybe they didn't. They definitely should of got the steering right on it and with a adjustable track bar it should of been easy. @travist09 if the shop isn't being helpful I would one not ever use them again, which if I drove off and my jeep steering wheel wasn't corrected I probably wouldn't use them again anyway, and Two you can take it to an alignment shop and ask for a alignment and they will get everything right for you. Also an easy fix in the driveway. Alignments around my area run $50-$60 so not huge price to pay to get everything right and most of them put a 1yr warranty on the alignments

Thanks, it was delivered and I’ve been talking to them and they just haven’t helped. Won’t use them again for sure.
everything was done by them.
thanks for your advice I’ll check that out!

 

[travist09]

It's on the drag link that's where you will find the adjustment sleeve. Once you get it adjusted make sure you get it tightened back down good. Not going to fix the shaking above 60 problem though. That's a suspension issue, or tire or wheel issue. Picture for reference.

Sweet thanks!

 

[SoCalGladiator]

Hi gang,

I hope you got your steering wheel centered and the shaking fixed. Another thought, it looks like those tires are new. Have your wheel balance checked.

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

Does anyone know how this could happen if my truck is completely stock?

I’ve only done two things to the truck that maybe could effect it...

A) Torqued the track bar to spec (52 ft-lb)

B) Had the tires rotated at the dealer

I really hope the issue was caused by me. Then I can just be angry at myself lol. Thanks in advance.

 

[Gvsukids]

Does anyone know how this could happen if my truck is completely stock?

I’ve only done two things to the truck that maybe could effect it...

A) Torqued the track bar to spec (52 ft-lb)

B) Had the tires rotated at the dealer

I really hope the issue was caused by me. Then I can just be angry at myself lol. Thanks in advance.

I'd have them fix it, but that's just me.

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

First, get your JT alignment taken care of by a good shop
Then, if you want to center your steering wheel, by adjusting the drag link, make sure your steering wheel lock is unlocked!!! Just have the engine running when you do it.
If you adjust the drag link without the steering wheel lock disengaged, you could do some damage.

It's simple:
Point the front tires straight ahead.
Leave the engine running and adjust the drag link. (there's no need to jack up the vehicle or remove the tires). Someone sitting in the driver's seat telling you which direction is a big plus.
Once it's centered, snug the drag link collar.

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

I'd have them fix it, but that's just me.

You’re probably right but I can’t stand the dealer service department. I also asked them to check all the connections to ensure that the torque was good...they told me they needed the Master Tech ?

I’ll probably take it to a small local shop for an alignment to support them anyway.

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

First, get your JT alignment taken care of by a good shop
Then, if you want to center your steering wheel, by adjusting the drag link, make sure your steering wheel lock is unlocked!!! Just have the engine running when you do it.
If you adjust the drag link without the steering wheel lock disengaged, you could do some damage.

It's simple:
Point the front tires straight ahead.
Leave the engine running and adjust the drag link. (there's no need to jack up the vehicle or remove the tires). Someone sitting in the driver's seat telling you which direction is a big plus.
Once it's centered, snug the drag link collar.

Awesome, thanks for the instructions! I’ll get the truck aligned at my favorite local shop then give that steering wheel centering a shot.

 

[AZCooWhip]

It’s your drag link. It’s a 30 second fix if you have someone in drivers seats. You will just need a 15mm and a couple of turns of the sleeve and fixed. Turn the sleeve the correct way and watch the steeling wheel straighten right up.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Just have the engine running when you do it.
If you adjust the drag link without the steering wheel lock disengaged, you could do some damage.

How will you do damage? All that happens is that you move the tires by adjusting the drag link. Doesn't matter running or not.
If the steering wheel can't move, then the tires move. There's nothing locking them from moving and you aren't applying any real force that will break anything.

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

How will you do damage? All that happens is that you move the tires by adjusting the drag link. Doesn't matter running or not.
If the steering wheel can't move, then the tires move. There's nothing locking them from moving and you aren't applying any real force that will break anything.

When you adjust the drag link while the vehicle is on the ground, the tires don't turn, the steering wheel does. That's how you adjust the steering wheel to center.
If the vehicle is off, and the steering wheel locks the steering wheel as you adjust the drag link, you will break the steering wheel lock inside the steering column.

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

It’s your drag link. It’s a 30 second fix if you have someone in drivers seats. You will just need a 15mm and a couple of turns of the sleeve and fixed. Turn the sleeve the correct way and watch the steeling wheel straighten right up.

Thanks for the picture, that’ll definitely ease my nerves when I go to fix it!

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

Go to 21:18 in this video and he explains the steering wheel centering procedure. As others have mentioned, you may need to make sure your track bar is at the correct length. If you’re inclined to watch the video he may talk about track bar adjustment.

If you go to this video, as listed, at around 21:00 minutes... The failure with the video is: Respectfully; you must do the adjustment with the steering wheel unlocked... Or vehicle running.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

When you adjust the drag link while the vehicle is on the ground, the tires don't turn, the steering wheel does. That's how you adjust the steering wheel to center.
If the vehicle is off, and the steering wheel locks the steering wheel as you adjust the drag link, you will break the steering wheel lock inside the steering column.

I've done alignments for decades, the wheels can turn. I did it on my own vehicle and measured how much they moved. Mine moved, nothing broke.
It won't break the steering wheel because the front wheels are totally free to turn. What's stopping them??? Besides, the JT steering doesn't lock at all. Mine never has and neither has the JT of anyone I helped with steering issues. No lock.
Nothing. If they were not able to turn what stops them? They sure moved on my garage floor when I did it.
IT takes more than you moving that drag link a little bit to break anything. I adjusted mine twice with the engine not running. I've adjusted many vehicles that way. To center the wheel, I start it, move the steering wheel to straight, shut it off, then adjust - and see the tires move in the process.

Is that video produced by FCA/Jeep, or a DIY youtuber?

I ask because the JT and WK2 have no steering wheel lock!! So that video is bogus. There's nothing to break.
I recall this from 2020 when I was helping people with loose steering and we decided to compare steering by - engine off, move steering wheel and see how far wheel would move before sector drag link moved with engine off.
There is no lock.

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