MCI 102 DL3 steering wheel clocking or something else?

[mqbus767]

Hello BusNuts,

I'd like to get some input on our steering wheel issue if anyone has some insight. The steering wheel appears to be roughly 90 degrees out of clock when going down the road. The bus tracks straight and doesn't appear to suffer from any other issues. I'm curious if the steering wheel just needs to be pulled and turned 90 degrees or if I should look for a deeper issue.

[buswarrior]

Someone likely lazy on the last alignment, and didn't centre the steering wheel.

Does it turn tighter in one direction or the other?

Beware, tossing the steering box off centre is a way to hide that it is worn in the centre.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[thomasinnv]

Also check for a bent drag link. That will throw center off.

[Bill Gerrie]

You said that there is no issues other then steering wheel off. Some you can just pull and realign others no. Pull it and see if the splines are equal all the way around.

[chessie4905]

start engine. turn steering wheel lock to lock, counting full and part last turn. turn back exactly 1/2 the number of turns you counted. repeat. is the wheel  still off that much? while in that position, pull steering wheel, and correct on the splines. reinstall, tightening the nut just enough to secure. road test. wheel still centered? if not stop, pull wheel and adjust a spline or two. try again. once correct, then fully tighten nut.

[mqbus767]

Thanks all for the pointers. I do believe it's just clocked wrong. The turn-to-turn count seems correct and as mentioned, there are no other indicators pointing to steering or suspension issues. I've been under the front 1/2 dozen times and not seen any bent or worn out parts. I'll see about pulling the wheel and just reclocking it.

[chessie4905]

also if it has a drive shaft from box to column, maybe got turned 1/4 when servicing. if exacttly off 1/4 turn, you could disconnect at clamps on ujoint and rotate 1/4 turn.

[lovetofix]

also if it has a drive shaft from box to column, maybe got turned 1/4 when servicing. if exacttly off 1/4 turn, you could disconnect at clamps on ujoint and rotate 1/4 turn.

That would be a half turn if you take it apart at the U-joint.

[chessie4905]

Yeah, it would have to be spline mismatch.