Steering wheel sits slightly off-center on highway

[Jwhite]

Hi everybody, I have an issue where my steering wheel sits at 1 o clock on the highway in 2wd. When I temporarily put it into 4wd high, the issue pretty much goes away. It almost seems like the right wheels are going slower than the left. Any ideas? I was thinking possibly the right front caliper is sticking

 

[Jwhite]

The issue exists at slower speeds but not nearly as much

 

[Chris]

Sounds to me like the drag link might need to be slightly adjusted.

Sure it could be a caliper, but there would generally be a smell or signs of that (smoke, abnormal wear, etc.)

 

[Jwhite]

Just had the Currie steering kit professionally installed. The car already had this issue prior to the Currie kit being installed. Steering wheel is pretty much perfectly straight when in 4 high so I think sending power to the front wheels is bypassing the problem somehow.

 

[Richard49]

I’m with Chris on the drag link adjustment.

Not trying to be a dick, but “professionally installed” always raises a red flag for me.
Installed is one thing, but checking that everything fits and is adjusted properly and compatible with the existing set up is something quite different.

 

[Jwhite]

Understandable I’ve had plenty of issues with professionals. I will double check the drag link. I also am planning on rotating the left tires with the rights to insure it’s not the tires and will check the front brakes. Rear brakes were already replaced and checked a few days ago.

I’m with Chris on the drag link adjustment.

Not trying to be a dick, but “professionally installed” always raises a red flag for me.
Installed is one thing, but checking that everything fits and is adjusted properly and compatible with the existing set up is something quite different.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

It's doubtful the professional installers did much of a test drive to test/verify the centering of the steering wheel. The steering wheel adjustment link, circled in red below, just needs a very slight adjustment. Rotating it so the front of it moves upward just a tad which lengthens the drag link a little will center it.

Do a few test drives on the street while adjusting it, no need to tighten its clamp bolts between short up-down your street. Tighten it once the steering is centered.

 

[Rickyd]

Worn trackbar ends can make your jeep track differently depending on inputs.so can control arm bushings. Its worth checking

 

[Jwhite]

All been replaced with core 4x4 adjustable parts last summer so that’s definitely not it

 

[Jerry Bransford]

All been replaced with core 4x4 adjustable parts last summer so that’s definitely not it

Easily fixable in a few minutes with the info above in post #7.

 

[Alex01]

Hi everybody, I have an issue where my steering wheel sits at 1 o clock on the highway in 2wd. When I temporarily put it into 4wd high, the issue pretty much goes away. It almost seems like the right wheels are going slower than the left. Any ideas? I was thinking possibly the right front caliper is sticking

crosswind??

All been replaced with core 4x4 adjustable parts last summer so that’s definitely not it

Sometimes even new products have defects.

Have someone turn the steering wheel while you watch all the steering components.

Rotating tires seems like a good idea to narrow down the issue.

 

[Good Hope]

Sometimes the cross slope (super elevation) of the road will change things slightly. If you are on flat ground in 4-high versus a side sloped highway when in 2wd you could notice a small difference. As stated above, adjust the alignment so it is how you like it.

 

[LONGJP2]

my steering wheel sits at 1 o clock

Do you mean the jeep drives straight even though the wheel is at 1 oclock?
Or it pulls to the right and you have to turn the wheel back to 12 to drive straight?

I was thinking possibly the right front caliper is sticking

If this is what you think, then check.
Jack it up and spin the tires.

 

[Jwhite]

Quick update I had my tires rotated criss cross and it seems better at street speeds. I have not taken it on the highway yet. I also now know that my brakes are not sticking. I have a left front camber issue where it’s -1.1 degrees and my right is still in spec around -.3. Is it possible that the ball joints are bad even if they have no play? And if they are good should I install a .5 degree camber shim kit on the left side?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Why are you apparently against using the steering centering link to center the steering wheel?

 

[Jwhite]

Why are you apparently against using the steering centering link to center the steering wheel?

I am going to take to the alignment shop soon and they have a technician who specializes in jeeps. Obviously I want the drag link to be correctly calibrated. The reason I don’t think it’s the drag link is because the wheel is pretty straight at low speeds and slightly off centered at highway speeds. Could my camber issue cause the symptoms I have?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

You don't need a Jeep alignment specialist to do that minor drag link adjustment if you own a wrench. Even the direction to turn it was provided.

Here's a little more info... https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-to-align-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.85/

 

[Jwhite]

You don't need a Jeep alignment specialist to do that minor drag link adjustment if you own a wrench. Even the direction to turn it was provided.

Here's a little more info... https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-to-align-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.85/

are you sure the drag link is the problem even if the steering wheel is straight at street speeds? This problem only occurs at highway speeds. Also I want to adjust my front right lower control arm because I think it’s half a turn short compared to the other side. The technician said he will verify that the trackbars are correctly adjusted as well.

 

[Rcroane]

are you sure the drag link is the problem even if the steering wheel is straight at street speeds? This problem only occurs at highway speeds. Also I want to adjust my front right lower control arm because I think it’s half a turn short compared to the other side. The technician said he will verify that the trackbars are correctly adjusted as well.

Good grief.....just adjust the drag link as recommended. It takes 2 minutes. If that doesn't do the trick, then you can start looking for another cause.

 

[Rickyd]

A bad alignment can make your jeep track strangely. I wouldn't worry too much about those camber numbers off of one alignment if the toe isn't correct and the wheels aren't straight ahead. Just toe being off makes a tj squirrely