Steering wheel off center

[nebuniram]

Hello, My F22D's steering wheel has gradually worked itself off center. I am wondering if this is just the steering wheel slipping or is it something in the steering box. What can I adjust to get the wheel straight with the frnt tires

Thanks.

 

[gordon21]

Do you have power steering?

 

[ray66v]

Don't panic. Did you just recently acquire this tractor? assuming that is the case, It may be normal. I'm not familiar with your tractor, its possible your going to find like many of these tractors, this is typical. I have a Massey, and a Toro and they both do that. And so does my dads New Holland.
Thats probably why gordon21 asked you if you have power steering. On a power steering system like mine there is no mechanical connection, it is fluid only. This means, there is no way to keep the steering wheel aligned with the wheels. Hopefully, this is your situation.

 

[nebuniram]

Thanks for the replys, I do not have power steering just regular manual steering. My steering is off about a quarter turnm so in order to keep the tractor pointed straight I have to keep the steering wheel turned a quarter turn to the left. Just wondering if anything can be adjusted for this.

 

[Logan]

You should be able to adjust the steering wheel by adjusting the tie rod ends. You might want to check the toe-in before and afterward. If the toe-in is right just turn the adjusting nut in or out, the same number of turns on each side to line it up. Also if the toe-in is right you may be able to line the front wheels straight and simply pull the steering wheel and place it back on in the straight ahead position.

 

[gordon21]

Look under the center cap in the steering wheel. If the shaft is splined and merely has a nut and washer, take the wheel off, spin it a spline or two and re-install. If it has a keyway, then you will have to adjust it via tie rod, toe in, etc as Logan suggests.

Once you determine how the steering wheel is attached to the shaft, we can help you more.

 

[ray66v]

If the wheel was straight before, then the most likely thing to have changed it is one of the front tires has taken some sort of a hit. Set the steering wheel straight and sight up the front tires. If one is not straight, that is your victim, adjust the tie rod until it matches the other. If both are not straight, and you cannot move the steering wheel, adjust both until they are straight. Having someone hold the steering wheel straight may be necessary. Most vehicles have the wheels toed in slightly, meaning if the front wheels are both straight, the front of the wheels are slightly closer together than the back of the wheels. If you find anything bent during this process, you will likely need to replace it. Then take it for a drive. If you have it right, you will likely be able to tell.

 

[nebuniram]

Thanks for all the replies, I checked and found that my right wheel was slightly toed out when steering wheel was straight. I will be adujusting the tie rod for this and hopefulley it will track straight.

 

[riopoco]

Well it seems I have a similar problem on my jd790. One of the front wheels is toed out and when I look underneath it appears that the tie rod is bent which could explain it. I don't remember hitting anything and my tractor has only been used to move snow for the last 6months, so nothing I can think of to cause this bent rod. Anyone have this happen to them? Can the rod be straightened or will I have to buy a new one? Thanks

 

[PILOON]

On my tractor it was always pulling to one side.
When I checked for usual causes I found it to be as simple as a slow leak in one of the front tires that was the cause.

I corrected the situation by installing tubes in my tubless tires.

Sure a rod can be straightened, sturdy C clamp and a suitable length of angle stock should do the trick!