Steering wheel/shaft alignment question

[74desertduster]

So when I drive in a straight line my steering wheel is oriented like the picture.

Is the only way to correct this to remove the steering shaft at the gear box and turn it until correct, then put it back on the gear box?

71 Swinger, Slant 6, Power Steering.

Thanks

Brian

 

[oldkimmer]

...................U need to get a wheel alignment, that way they will center the wheel.........u adj 1 set of tie rods shorter and the other set longer......or u may take off the wheel and see if the marks are lined up.................kim.........

 

[green1]

Kim is correct. The steering wheel can't be turned, as one spline is a double. Adjust it at the tie rod sleeves.

 

[74desertduster]

Since the car doesn't need an alignment and the tires are pretty thin, I will wait for new tires and then get it.

Did this happen by somebody doing an alignment and not paying attention to the steering wheel while aligning the wheels/tires?

 

[green1]

Yes, that is the problem with lazy front end guys.

 

[6pk2goDemon]

Did this happen by somebody doing an alignment and not paying attention to the steering wheel while aligning the wheels/tires?

Maybe, but it looks like you have the column dropped. Was the steering wheel centered before?

 

[RedFish]

or File away the master spline and set the wheel anywhere you want.

 

[74desertduster]

The wheel isn't dropped, just weird camera angle. Car came this way. Who knows what happened in it's previous lives. Grinding the spline has crossed me mind but I wanted to know how this happens so I can avoid it in the future.

So if I get an alignment I need to tell them to make sure the steering wheel is straight? I hate taking my car in anyplace for work.

 

[oldkimmer]

............The alignment guy/gal should automatically know 2 center it....if not , find another shop.....doesnt hurt 2 ask tho,as u would hate 2 have an align and still a wheel thats off center........oh ya, ask if they even have the specs 4 ur car...kim.......