I didn't mean to leave that other (deleted) comment on your post about vise-grips, lol -- anyway, but ya gotta love your phone knowing what you are doing all the time, haha. Take care!
I honestly wish UA-cam would post more of these instead of pointless videos. I actually had to readjust the steering on my car and this actually helped. Thank you
@All Cars MatterHi. It seems (to my un experienced eyes) to be corect. He took it all the way to the right, made the first mark. Then took it all the way to the left 2 revolutions + a third(give or take), then came back a revolution + half of a third. 720+120(ish)=840(ish). 840-360-60(ish)=420 i.e. center(ish). Am I missing something? How is he of by 360?
Been doing this for years. Great vid. It's amazing how many people don't do this, should always be one of the first steps in a full alignment. Can be done in car.
It's comforting seeing how many know everything here. There are some people that may like this information. Someone who has never done this before with either a new replacement or maybe using a part from an auto salvage yard.
I remember figuring this out on my own with a Nissan steering box. I figured it made too much sense to do it this way. Glad to see I was right way back then haha!
This guy is a genius, I don't find him on TV no more... Enjoyed watching his show. If somebody can reach back out to me and let me know that'd be great..
In the actual process of replacing rack& pinion right now as i watch this! So happy i sat down to eat my sandwich! So happy i seen this right now! Thank u and Merry Christmas!
Thank you for this awesome tip!! Ill be replacing a steering rack and pinion on my buddies focus in a week or so, and this video will let me do it like the pros!! Ill be sure to give mention to getting the tip from you guys!! Thank you!!
I don't know if you've ever put in a rack and pinion on a focus before, but if you haven't take it to a mechanic. It is not as easy as you might think.
I have zero mechanic knowledge, but find this fascinating. You mechanics are wizards, im in compsci but I feel like I want become a tradesman, mechanic being one of the considerations
I always center the steering wheel and lock it down with the seatbelt. Then I take pictures using different references. Once removed I match it to the new rack and adjust so the inner tie rods are the same. Reinstall and bingo, it’s the same. Now his idea is a great idea also.
Tommy is the man!! I have learned a grip of tips and tricks from this guy since he got to the channel!! Thanks Tommy!! My spoiler on my bmw is modeled after your Buick spoiler!!
@@jimmysapien9961 sir, you are correct. After watching this again closer, I thought I saw flat spot on both sides of the threads but I was wrong. I would've used the same as you.
So.. uh.. when the original rack and pinion comes out.. make a mental mark of how it's positioned, lay new part in front of old and align, double check column, and replace. This doesn't need to be overcomplicated. Maybe I'm just old-school. Laying the parts out as I take them out like with drums..
This is what I have learned from, 20 years of continuous education in the automotive program. And thousands of dollars, in ASE and I-car classes, that didn't amount to a f*** all in wages. This is the phrase That pays. Not the videos. Not the ASE training. And not the I-car training. This is the one phrase that you need to know to survive, for any extended period of time, and the automotive industry. And I'm going to give it to you, for free... Always, check vehicle manufacturer recommendations first.
Insane.. I was just on my way to autozone to pick up the part for my mom's car 🤯. Lol just kidding the car has been sitting outside for almost 6 months now
Wouldn’t even waste my time measuring. When I pulled it off the the steering wheel was straight. Throw the rack in, bolt it up, then turn your wheels til they’re straight and THEN mate the steering column 🤷🏻♂️ no measurements needed until you do your alignment
So this would have beem helpful atleast a handful of times... Worst is when you trailer it and have a professional still screw this up but nailed a very special alignment... Gotta love grass roots motorsports!
That shaft has a flat which should connect to a corresponding flat on the steering column. Some cars use a master spline instead. Fit the rack, connect the steering wheel and it’s now easy to find the centre point.
I just use a tape measure and measure the length from the clamp on the bellow holding it to the rack to the end of the inner tie-rod and make each side identical and your done...
I found if the revolutions are say 3, you'll need to turn 1.5 turns which will bring the shaft mark opposite & away from your 2 markers. A direct opposite being halfway on the markers
I was getting ready to buy a used rack off ebay and the seller told me I needed to take it to a specialist to center it. I think I should be able to handle this thanks. Great vid. Also was wondering if a spline socket can be used to do this or are those two sections independent?
This will work but there is a better and easier way..... Before you take the old rack out, put the wheels Straight ahead. Remove the rack measure where both tie rods are and make the same on the new rack. Make the final adjustments on the new rack after its mounted in car right before reinstalling the steering shaft back to the rack.
This is something a builder would be interested in, specifically if building a steering column from scratch. From the factory, EVERY steering rack is keyed into the steering column and cannot be "un-centered", and most racks are matched to most steering columns where the steering wheel will be centered when the rack is at center. It's good to put a rack near center so as to not damage the clock coil in the steering wheel, should it have one, but this procedure is kind of dumb to do on a factory car, even if you're replacing the rack. Get close enough and the rag joint will tell you which way to turn the rack. Now show your viewers how to fine-tune the center of the steering wheel without having to put the car back on the alignment rack since so many mechanics can't seem to get the wheel dead center. THAT would be useful to most of your viewers. You do know how to do that, right?
Or or this is just a suggestion and also something that I've used thousands upon thousands of times you could just grab the boot on each side and make sure you have an equal amount of outer tie rod end sticking out. At point it will become obvious where the flat spot is supposed to go for that last one to two degrees
Literally on my lunch break getting ready to do exactly this
I didn't mean to leave that other (deleted) comment on your post about vise-grips, lol -- anyway, but ya gotta love your phone knowing what you are doing all the time, haha. Take care!
Same 😂
youtu.be/watch?v=IhxA5DpJCfc&t=17s Finally its here
Just put it the only way it can go!
@@stephenhurd1489 doesn't exactly apply here. Old one wasn't even a good reference for me because the splined shaft was sheered off
I honestly wish UA-cam would post more of these instead of pointless videos. I actually had to readjust the steering on my car and this actually helped. Thank you
you get more of what you watch. Either stop watching pointless videos, or stop sharing an account between multiple people.
@@NafanyaZX that’s not entirely true UA-cam’s algorithm can sometimes be completely messed up
I agree need more good vids
@@NafanyaZX facts
Are you serious? Just looking at tie rods protrusion is enough
Good lord I've been needing this...Thank you much
Same
@All Cars MatterHi. It seems (to my un experienced eyes) to be corect. He took it all the way to the right, made the first mark. Then took it all the way to the left 2 revolutions + a third(give or take), then came back a revolution + half of a third. 720+120(ish)=840(ish). 840-360-60(ish)=420 i.e. center(ish). Am I missing something? How is he of by 360?
@All Cars Matter a lot of cars still don’t have an indexing flat for the steering shaft. This technique is very useful for those cars.
You have to be so stupid to not be able to figure this out
SAME HERE
As an alignment tech for 16 years, Ive never needed to see this, length of tie rods compared to key way and wheel/ steering shaft works just fine.
Usually brand new ones come zero already idk what he’s talking about
@@nolandj.1758 same thoughts here, lol
Plus it's already been marked, lol, you can see the marker on the splines,
If off centered, does the alignment tech re-adjust to find the center? Or basically you’re on your own?
As an alignment tech for 16 years, still searched UA-cam for this video and watched it though. hmmmm
Been doing this for years. Great vid. It's amazing how many people don't do this, should always be one of the first steps in a full alignment. Can be done in car.
Although if you've got lock stops, pop the steering arms out first.
What are lock stops ?
@@bmxrider8284 stops on the suspension that limit wheel turning angle before the steering rack does.
It's comforting seeing how many know everything here. There are some people that may like this information. Someone who has never done this before with either a new replacement or maybe using a part from an auto salvage yard.
Exactly my situation, 1st time at attempting to repair my steering rack leaks so it will loose its center
I remember figuring this out on my own with a Nissan steering box. I figured it made too much sense to do it this way. Glad to see I was right way back then haha!
I prefer to have my old lady rotate my input shaft thankyou 😁👍
🤣
While you adjust the rack?
Output shaft
Lucky u
@@keijimorita1849 lol
And make sure the steering wheel is centered, I wrecked a clockspring not paying attention to where the wheel was.
This guy is a genius, I don't find him on TV no more... Enjoyed watching his show. If somebody can reach back out to me and let me know that'd be great..
In the actual process of replacing rack& pinion right now as i watch this! So happy i sat down to eat my sandwich! So happy i seen this right now! Thank u and Merry Christmas!
Thank you for this awesome tip!! Ill be replacing a steering rack and pinion on my buddies focus in a week or so, and this video will let me do it like the pros!! Ill be sure to give mention to getting the tip from you guys!! Thank you!!
I don't know if you've ever put in a rack and pinion on a focus before, but if you haven't take it to a mechanic. It is not as easy as you might think.
Just put my new rack and pinion in. This was much needed. Thank you
Experience is everything...Good job sir
I have zero mechanic knowledge, but find this fascinating. You mechanics are wizards, im in compsci but I feel like I want become a tradesman, mechanic being one of the considerations
You won't get very far in the hands on trades by saying things like "compsci"
Or slip on the steering joint and not have to worry about hurting any threads!
I always center the steering wheel and lock it down with the seatbelt. Then I take pictures using different references. Once removed I match it to the new rack and adjust so the inner tie rods are the same. Reinstall and bingo, it’s the same. Now his idea is a great idea also.
Not likely I'll ever need to do this, but I like to learn anyway, thanks
Tommy is the man!! I have learned a grip of tips and tricks from this guy since he got to the channel!! Thanks Tommy!! My spoiler on my bmw is modeled after your Buick spoiler!!
2 turns lock to lock, nice.
I like my steering response too, sneeze and twitch the wheel and it's going towards the ditch 😁👍
Tommy is the master Tech!
I wish I seen this video 2 year’s ago
CC
Same
Simplest explanation out of all that I've found💯💯💯
This dude is crazy smart when it come to things like this.
Maybe, but I would not have used no crescent wrench on those threads I would have used something to fit over the threads🤔
@@jimmysapien9961 sir, you are correct. After watching this again closer, I thought I saw flat spot on both sides of the threads but I was wrong. I would've used the same as you.
Thank you for sharing this! My next project this year for my 05 4runner!
I have been doing my own mechanic work for 40 years. I’m 56. I have never had to replace a rack. Now that I’ve seen this video what do you wanna bet…
So.. uh.. when the original rack and pinion comes out.. make a mental mark of how it's positioned, lay new part in front of old and align, double check column, and replace. This doesn't need to be overcomplicated.
Maybe I'm just old-school. Laying the parts out as I take them out like with drums..
Only if the previous rack was installed correctly.
Thank you so much for this information.
I have no idea what any of this is about or what that shaft is for, but I appreciate his attention to detail.
Learn something new everyday day, thanks
I had my steering rack done last year by some guys that put it off center and it's been bugging the hell out of me since, I'm gonna try this now
I'm soooo relieved now! tank u!
Thank you for making this video!
These dudes are good at their trade.
Yes sir but they learn from so one else
Tom, you are the man.
Thanks
What a fantastic video. Good work
This is what I have learned from, 20 years of continuous education in the automotive program. And thousands of dollars, in ASE and I-car classes, that didn't amount to a f*** all in wages.
This is the phrase That pays. Not the videos. Not the ASE training. And not the I-car training. This is the one phrase that you need to know to survive, for any extended period of time, and the automotive industry.
And I'm going to give it to you, for free...
Always, check vehicle manufacturer recommendations first.
Thank god UA-cam knew I was doing this in a couple days. I didn’t even think of the fact it had to be centered
Me either
That's how it's done ! I used to love watching Power Nation !
Great..make my alignment more easy, sometimes steering rack installer are not known this procedure.
Great video! Thanks!
I needed this video last week
To void damage you can also wrap the splines in 4 layers of cardboard and use vice grips with low pressure.
Seems quite logical. Nice job!
Doing this to my sons car tomorrow Thanks👍👍👍
Ya I learned this the hard way when I installed my first rack. Owed the customer a clock spring.
About ten minutes before replacing the steering rack and this video pops up :)
You go Tommy !!!!!!!
Insane.. I was just on my way to autozone to pick up the part for my mom's car 🤯. Lol just kidding the car has been sitting outside for almost 6 months now
😂😂😂thank god an honest comment.. everyone in here is like oh thanks man I'm doing this exact thing tmwr👌👌..sure ya are bud
Who cares
You can sometimes rely on physical markings on the rack, or the flat of the input shaft, but it never hurts to double check.
I pull my steering columb without marking anything, you're saving me
Legit getting ready to change my steering gear in my truck next week this helps alot
Thnx, needed this! 💯
Very nicely explained very nice
Better to know it and not need it than to need it and not know it. Brilliant deduction.
Litterally wouldn't waste my time. I measure the rack each side. It's that simple.
Finally someone with common sense 👏 👍
@@falkirk8413 lol no kidding. Seems like more of a 'how to center something you can't see video'
Wouldn’t even waste my time measuring. When I pulled it off the the steering wheel was straight. Throw the rack in, bolt it up, then turn your wheels til they’re straight and THEN mate the steering column 🤷🏻♂️ no measurements needed until you do your alignment
Yup, no shit pal. Over thinkin this shit
Yes!!!👍
Brilliant trick. Used this on a Fiesta Mk7 not long ago
So this would have beem helpful atleast a handful of times...
Worst is when you trailer it and have a professional still screw this up but nailed a very special alignment...
Gotta love grass roots motorsports!
Whoa...I'm doing a steering rack on my CRV this week!
That shaft has a flat which should connect to a corresponding flat on the steering column. Some cars use a master spline instead. Fit the rack, connect the steering wheel and it’s now easy to find the centre point.
Very useful didn't know u had to do this
I just use a tape measure and measure the length from the clamp on the bellow holding it to the rack to the end of the inner tie-rod and make each side identical and your done...
That's very easy I'm a technician for more than 30 yrs
Measurements on inner tie rods from rack help with this as well.
Great presentation 🙂
Thanks
I found if the revolutions are say 3, you'll need to turn 1.5 turns which will bring the shaft mark opposite & away from your 2 markers. A direct opposite being halfway on the markers
personally i prefer recirculating ball or worm and gear manual steering, avoids bump steer too!
I remember this and Thanks Tommy.
Well done Tommy
I miss this show 😭
Steering wheel must be centered on gear center hi point for 'no play' level wheel on straight road.
You can use a rubber band on your spines to protect them it works good for threads
Just go eitherway once and count. Split the number and rotate back out half.
No way. Im saving this video
He made 2 complete revolutions plus a partial
Great video
Anyone who finds this amazing prob should not be doing a steering rack….
I call dibs on making the tool that makes this easier.
A tape measure...lol 😉😊
@@dmeemd7787 🤦♂️ me after realizing you could be right. 😈 me seeing a sucker be born everyday.
me everyday, lol 😆 take care man 🤙🏼
Great information 😅
Not doing this, but a good watch
Ah,.. close enough. Tommy.
I was getting ready to buy a used rack off ebay and the seller told me I needed to take it to a specialist to center it. I think I should be able to handle this thanks. Great vid. Also was wondering if a spline socket can be used to do this or are those two sections independent?
Just measure the distance between the bellow boots clamps ,
That’s what I do
Wow what a convoluted way to find center.
Thanks man!
This will work but there is a better and easier way..... Before you take the old rack out, put the wheels Straight ahead. Remove the rack measure where both tie rods are and make the same on the new rack. Make the final adjustments on the new rack after its mounted in car right before reinstalling the steering shaft back to the rack.
Holy shit i did this my self in the car port of my moms house three years ago and did exactly this by trouble shooting. Nice!
Take Calipers measure up and just get an equal output from left and right 👍🏼
Rotate cw then mark ,rotate ccw then mark .After that put middle between 2 marks .
Tommy, such a swell feller
This is like this old house for cars
I taught this technique to one of my techs then another tech came along and showed him “his way”. Ended up eating a clock spring.
This is something a builder would be interested in, specifically if building a steering column from scratch. From the factory, EVERY steering rack is keyed into the steering column and cannot be "un-centered", and most racks are matched to most steering columns where the steering wheel will be centered when the rack is at center.
It's good to put a rack near center so as to not damage the clock coil in the steering wheel, should it have one, but this procedure is kind of dumb to do on a factory car, even if you're replacing the rack. Get close enough and the rag joint will tell you which way to turn the rack.
Now show your viewers how to fine-tune the center of the steering wheel without having to put the car back on the alignment rack since so many mechanics can't seem to get the wheel dead center. THAT would be useful to most of your viewers.
You do know how to do that, right?
Please tell us unknowledgeable people how to do so lol my wheel is fairly straight after replacement but not perfect
nope
God bless you thank you very much helpful video From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧
Super easy 🔥
reminds me of the 'find the middle of a 2×4 with only a piece of string and small nail'. (but you'll need a hammer, too...)
Always have a proper alignment done after you do suspension or steering work
Keep them coming 🤟
Or or this is just a suggestion and also something that I've used thousands upon thousands of times you could just grab the boot on each side and make sure you have an equal amount of outer tie rod end sticking out. At point it will become obvious where the flat spot is supposed to go for that last one to two degrees
Never had an issue before installing them. Never had to level. Been working on vehicles 35 years