Centering steering wheel

[Mark H.]

Just had the steering column out (telescopic) on our '66 coupe for some instrument cluster work. I put a paint mark on the splined end of the column, to match another mark on the rag joint. I missed the mark by a little I guess, as the steering wheel now is not aligned correctly. Is my best fix to just loosen the bolt on the rag joint, pull the column and reinsert for better alignment? Thanks.

[Mark E.]

I just did an R&R on the column in my 1970. For this year (and perhaps other C2 and C3 too??) the rag joint is indexed with a flat spot on both the steering box and steering column shafts. So there's only one box/column orientation it will fit (unless it's a complete turn or two off). A quick check is the flat on the steering box shaft should visually align with the flat on the column shaft.

I didn't try but perhaps the joint can slip on if moved over one spline on either shaft... there is a bit of "slop" that may accommodate this.

Did you change the steering linkage? That will also affect wheel orientation. If the wheel is just a bit off and the shafts are aligned you can center the wheel by adjusting tie rod sleeves. Of course this will affect the toe setting. Make sure the steering box is centered when doing this.

One other possibility is the rag joint is failing and has shifted.

Never mind all of this if C2 is different but I suspect they're similar.

[Keith B.]

there will be marks on the column shaft and all the tele horn parts at the 12* position. they all must be at 12

[Duke W.]

Did you do all the work IAW the the CSM and COM?

Duke

[Tim S.]

You can be off a tooth or two, the shaft will still go in the rag joint, and the rag joint bolt will go through the flat and thread in. When that occurs, I just take the car for a ride with a piece of making tape. Mark the top of the wheel (center) while driving. Bring it back into the shop and adjust accordingly.