Steering Self Centering

[Nitrate]

1981 2000. Is it characteristic for these cars to have some difficulty in the steering self centering when coming out of a corner? RB

[djape1977]

they don't self centre like modern cars.
however, there's a high likelyhood that somethingis not working as it should. number one suspect would be overtightened adjustment screw on steering box

[Nitrate]

I'll check that steering box adjustment. Thanks for that. RB

[RRoller123]

Wheel alignment way out of whack would do it too.

[phaetn]

Wheel alignment way out of whack would do it too.

Indeed! Caster angle very much affects how a car's steering self-centres.

First check the steering box -- there should be about one inch of play in the steering wheel from side to side when the car is resting on the ground and not moving. That play and/or tightness can be adjusted at the box. Make sure there is fluid in there as well as the steering damper (idler).

Next up check tire pressures and see if the car steers straight.

I'm itching to get mine on the road but it's still going to be a couple months yet. That said, we've had very little snow this year so salt may be off the roads earlier than other years. Since the ski season is basically shot, here's hoping!!

Cheers,
phaetn

[Nitrate]

Thanks guys. I adjusted the toe in today. The inner front tires were very worn. The term feathering would apply. I think I need a full alignment. But I'll try the ideas mentioned first. The toe in adjustment helped but not 100%. RB

[RRoller123]

How did you do the toe-in? string method?

Another cause (ask me how I know this ) could be that the top of the shock mount has either failed, or the shock has shifted so that it is no longer centered in the shock tower top hole. This occurred on my right front (due to my assembly error, of course). That tire is now badly feathered and the alignment was out of whack. The tire now needs to be replaced.

I had similar, but not exactly the same, symptoms as you have, due to this problem. At any rate, it is easy to visually check the top of the shock mounts to make sure they are ok. Might need a mirror on the driver's side to see it clearly.

Here is a pic of the problem, with the top shock mount shifted in the shock tower, before I repaired it. The alignment and shock performance was definitely and seriously effected.

[djape1977]

shock absorbers have nothing to do with alignment on 124

[RRoller123]

They sure as hell did on mine. But to be clear, it is the feathering of the tire that he mentioned that I am talking about.

[hayesbd]

I had a problem with the steering damper being very sluggish and it also caused tire wear. It was in a stick/slip condition such that the toe-in varied during normal driving. When I got the damper on the bench I was amazed at how hard it was to turn the shaft. Once that was cleared up, the car's handling was transformed.

[DieselSpider]

You have to look at the whole package not just one aspect. Self centering is really controlled by caster but can be hampered by a sticky damper, overly tight gear box, thrust line off, low tire pressures along with other issues including a bad wheel bearing or dragging brake caliper.

It's really time to get the car on an alignment rack to get a full thrust line alignment done.

[azruss]

feathering is more than not caused by tie-rod, wheel bearing or ball joint wear. Caster and alignment will cause uneven wear and bad handling. The feathering will make the handling flakey.

[Nitrate]

Using the string method to set the toe in made a huge improvement in the cars ability to self center, also tracks nice and straight. I checked the steering box adj. that seemed ok. Much more enjoyable to drive now. Thank to everyone who responded. It's a good feeling to put the work in and have it succeed. RB

[KandJinmaine]

I had the same issue. Like hayesbd, the steering damper was the main culprit. Without the torque of the steering wheel (on the car) ,it could not be moved by hand, seriously bound up. I found this at the end of a front end rebuild after having done the A-arms etc. I probably didn't change that component when I last rebuilt the front end, duh. My point is that it was overlooked and I'll bet I'm not the only one to make that mistake. I got a new, upgraded one from A/R, and after an allignment, the car is sweet again. Good luck.