Hey everyone, I was hoping that someone could help narrow down an issue I have. I purchased an upgraded steering shaft for my 89 firebird from a user on here, after putting it in my steering DOES seem more direct and responsive, however there is a deadzone to the right. If it were a clock, it'd be from 12 o clock to 1:30. The shaft doesn't seem to have any problem and looks good to me. The old shaft did have more play in the wheel, but the deadzone was centered.

Is there a reason that it's only on the right side? The install seemed pretty simple so I hope it's not something I did!

 

If anyone is interested, I'm starting to think that the deadzone is right in the center of the steering wheel and that I might have twisted the steering shaft connections or something and off-centered my steering wheel. I'm going to look at it and see if that's possible.

 

I think you just self-diagnosed your problem.

 

Make sure the pinch bolt at the top/rear of the shaft is tight. Or, just have someone turn the wheel back and forth in this area while you see what is, and what isn't moving. Then tighten that joint bolt.
I installed the Astro van shaft on mine, the pinch bolt came loose and gave me the same feeling.

 

Can confirm, we reinstalled my aftermarket shaft from hawks again today after putting it in there last year due to a blind spot in the middle --> the bolt needs to be really tight and the looseness will go away

 

The offsenter dead zone us probably the actual center. The tie rods ate adjusted to put it off center. Quicky alignment shops center the sterring wheel and set toe from there. A better way us to mark the wheel and a relative point like some tape on the dash. Find botch full locks and center from there.

 

Thank you everyone for the advice!!