Steering not returning to center

[peters023]

My 72 Charger does not return to center after a turn. Did alot of research but I am stumped.

Front end is stock, but fully rebuilt. PS box is rebuilt and pump is new. Offset bushings on DR side got me positive caster that the Firm Feel guys think are good (2.9dr, 3.5 pass). They also said the camber numbers are good (-0.6dr, 0.2 pass). (Called them cause I thought the issues was the box. Was going to purchase a box from them but they said that would not solve my issue)

Question - what is a good way to measure if I have a bent LCA?
Car's never been in an accident (in the family since new), but maybe someone knocked a curb....

Any other ideas would be welcome.

Thank you.
Peter

 

[Hemi Rebel]

Doing the alignment is the measurement. Thats all an alignment machine is. A super fancy measuring device. If you had something bent it would show up on the machine when it takes its measurements. Caster is what brings the steering back to center unless its out or something is too tight. Is there any difficulty when turning the steering wheel?

 

[bm02tj]

Block the front wheels off the ground so you can turn by pushing one way or the other
then center steering and with out touching anything start the car if the wheels turn it is the power box needs adjustment or repaired or assembled correctly

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Also check to see if you have a brake dragging

 

[sleepar]

Sounds like a sticking valve in the box I would flush the system a few times.

 

[747mopar]

Block the front wheels off the ground so you can turn by pushing one way or the other
then center steering and with out touching anything start the car if the wheels turn it is the power box needs adjustment or repaired or assembled correctly

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Also check to see if you have a brake dragging

If it does as he says (turns by itself once jacked up) it's the 2 bolts on the top (see pic below) that have to be loosened, then tap the top one way or the other. You will likely have to play with it a few times before you find which way you need to go and how much. The bolt holes are much larger than the bolts so once loosened (not to loose or you'll make a mess) you can fudge it back and forth centering the steering. Good luck

 

[bigblock]

Had a binding idler arm do me the same way one time. Just kind of stayed where you left it.

 

[peters023]

Thanks for the input.
The steering is no harder in one direction than the other (so no binding)
Had the car off the ground and the wheels stay straight so I know the top valve is technically set OK (i.e. not steering the car to one side or another)
I will try the flushing approach

Thanks

 

[SureGrip]

Stupid question, but you have the same amount of 'tie rod' on both sides, right?

Any chance a shop 'cheated' and adjusted the tie rods to 'center' the steering wheel?

 

[A383Wing]

tight ball joints, and all steering components can cause this also....and caster is what controls steering wheel return.....

 

[peters023]

Thanks all for the input. Tie rods are OK. I guess if it's tight ball joints I will just have to wait and hope for the best.

 

[nm9stheham]

Check the balls joints and make sure they are properly seated in the control arms and not cocked at all.

 

[peters023]

Good thought. They are seated well.
Going to loosen the box just a bit more this weekend and see what happens.

 

[A383Wing]

yea...adjustment on top cold be too tight