P500 Centered Steering Wheel - Ongoing Issue

[KyGal83]

Starting on a checklist of stuff for my buggy…

I have a problem with my steering wheel being off center. This is an on going issue. When my wheels are straight the cross section of my steering wheel is nearly straight up and down. I have adjusted it, 2 friends have adjusted it… and after each ride it is worse. Anyone have this issue, any suggestions?

 

[JACKAL]

Curious, after adjusting the wheel ( you are removing the steering wheel and aligning on different splines correct?) when it is off again, is it to the same direction left or right more and more or does it vary being left or right?

 

[DG Rider]

Starting on a checklist of stuff for my buggy…

I have a problem with my steering wheel being off center. This is an on going issue. When my wheels are straight the cross section of my steering wheel is nearly straight up and down. I have adjusted it, 2 friends have adjusted it… and after each ride it is worse. Anyone have this issue, any suggestions?

1. Like Jackal said above, something is slipping...splines on knuckles or where the steering wheel mounts or rod ends moving or not locked down. I suppose if the rack is really worn, it could be skipping teeth as well.

2. You are beating the hell out of it every ride and bending something.

3. Something is giving way and about to break. A arm tabs, for example.

 

[JACKAL]

The most likely thing comes to mind is the 2 u joints on the steering shaft. Each end of both is splined giving you 4 potential areas of slipping if not tight. Add in the steering wheel that's 5 but never heard of the steering wheel slipping.

Like @DG Rider said the steering rack if buggered can cause all kind of issues being off before completely failing.

The amount of the steering wheel being off makes a significant difference too. Is it off like 11am to 1pm off or more from the 12 o'clock center position?

 

[Mudder]

As said check tightness of shaft spline clamps. Maybe try marking a straight line on the above and below steering shafts (paint pen/nail polish) so you can identify if those splined joints are slipping, or rule those out as the issue.

 

[KyGal83]

Thanks for all the suggestions.. I will look into them.

 

[KyGal83]

It is looking like my issue might be a tie-rod end & knuckle problem. Looks they are going on the order list. Now to find the part numbers…. 🤔

 

[Buggyman]

It is looking like my issue might be a tie-rod end & knuckle problem. Looks they are going on the order list. Now to find the part numbers…. 🤔

glad you got it figured out. at least it's not the steering rack $

 

[KyGal83]

glad you got it figured out. at least it's not the steering rack $

Thanks! I am hoping this fixes the issue! 🤞🏻