Just got done replacing the power steering pump and and gear box due to leaks.

Got in and started driving when I realize the steering wheel is turned to about 10 11 clock.

What did I do wrong and how do I fix this?

 

You need an alignment or the wheels werent centered when you put the new box in.

 

wheels wernt straight

 

If I take my hands off the wheel while driving it still goes straight so I dont think I need an alignment.

I could have swarm they were straight. I had to roll off ramps before I took the box out. Rolled straight back and started working on it. Didn't touch the steering wheel or jack it up or anything.

I cant exactly remember, but I think the steering wheel was a little off before, but with the slack I could make it straight. Doesnt feel like theres as much anymore so could that just be it?

 

The boxes are all slightly different inside due to tolerances and such. Even when I rebuilt my S-10 box, the wheel was at a different location (slightly to one side) when I reinstalled it. Any time you replace or rebuild the PS box, you should get an alignment as the center location will be different.

 

I have really no general knowledge of the steering system, so excuse my incompetence.

The car drove straight before the swap, which would indicate no need for an alignment(if im correct)

I had it on ramps and then decided to take it down so I just backed down the ramps. Then put it in park and started unhooking everything.

The tires to me appeared to be straight when parked(Just pulled down the ramp so how could they be turned) and the steering wheel was maybe turned just a bit to the left.(About half the distance it is now)

I separated the rag joint from the box and left everything from the rag joint up(the shaft) alone.

Im just confused on what happened

 

Anyone?

 

It'll only bolt on one way so there's nothing you did that caused this. It's simply the inards on the new box that were slightly different than the old one. It will drive fine like this and the alignment is still good.

The only way to re-center the steering wheel though is to re-align the toe on the front end. This will re-center the wheel. You might check with a shop and ask if they'll cut you a break on a toe only adjustment. Probably not, but may be worth a shot.

 

thanks for info

 

Can't you just pull the steering wheel off, and pit it on straight? That's what I did in my Conquest...

 

No. Steering wheel only has a limited number of angles it can sit at... mine has six possible positions. If it's way off you can get it close but will still need an alignment to centre it.

 

It's worth just getting the alignment done anyways