Alignment bolt used to center the steering box

[Gary Best]

Quick question - just about to drop my steering box (steering column still attached at the moment) everything still in alignment - so the question is - using the Alignment bolt what does it do? Does it screw into a locator so that the steering box become locked (so to speak) so using this I can take the box out and the steering column - do what I need to do and then reinstall and everything should be in the same position. As long as the wheels are kept straight.

Thanks Gary

Found it - https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=3608.msg21420#msg21420

[66andBlue]

Also look at this one:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=16504.msg114302#msg114302

[Benz Dr.]

This only works well if the alignment was done using this method. Odds are your wheels are not fully in sync with your steering box.

 Believe it or not, we use a piece of string to line up the front wheels after everything has been taken apart so that I can test drive before I get the final alignment done.

[Shvegel]

One of the first things I made when I got my lathe were the steering lock bolts.  Unfortunately, I am away from home for the next three weeks so I can’t measure it but I am pretty sure it is was an 8mm x 1mm pitch fine thread bolt.   In the picture it is the second from the right.

[ja17]

Many of these Pagodas' steering systems are no longer in sync after all these years. You can easily evaluate your steering system by performing two tests. First remove the ignition key with the car in the straight ahead direction. Jiggle or turn the steering a bit until the steering lock engages. The steering wheel should lock "square" in straight driving direction. In this position the "slash mark" on the end of the steering shaft (under horn pad) should be vertical. If this is not correct the turn signal will not cancel at the same degree of arc when turning right and left. Next with the car in straight ahead position, with the ignition on and the car running, check
 to see if you have the same amount of steering wheel rotation from straight-ahead center to lock, left and then right. They should be equal. If your car fails both of these tests, you may be in for an involved steering adjustment. If the steering locks with the slash mark on the end of the steering column vertical, and the steering wheel is not square, then you may just need to have your steering wheel centered, during the next trip to the alignment shop.

[Kevkeller]

Can you expound on the string method please?  Thank you.

Kevin

[Benz Dr.]

Get a long piece of string and stretch it along the outside edge of your rear tire so that it touches the tire in two places. Run the string along the bottom of your car to your front tire and then touch the string up against the outside of that tire. If the string hits the back of your tire first, it's towed in. If the string hits the front of the tire first first, it's towed out. When the string hits the front and back of your tire at the same time it's going to be pretty much straight ahead. Adjust your tie rod bar until you have it so that the string touches touches the front and rear of your front tire evenly. Make sure you keep the string pulled tightly or you can have false readings. Go to the opposite side of your car and do the same thing. You will likely have to repeat each side in order to get it close. String should be just clear of the bottom or your car as it can't hit anything other than the bottom edge of your tires or it won't give you a good reading - string should touch your tires about 8 inches from the floor or wherever it clears the body of your car.

 I use this method when centering the steering box because the tie rod bars are often adjusted too far in either direction.  Removing your steering wheel to finish lining everything up may also be required. A helper can make this job easier but you can also tape the string to your back tire. Assuming your sub frame is straight, it should work reasonably well.  You can use this method any time you loose the tie rod measurements but it's really useful when you have your steering box locked in position with a centering pin.

 

[Kevkeller]

Good method. Thank you for sharing.  I’ll try that after I get my steering box back in.

Kevin