Steering wheel won't return to center.

[68sportsatelliteragtop]

The column doesn't appear to have any drag on it, at least when it is out of the car. The car doesn't have any rust or frame issues around the suspension mounts and doesn't appear to have been wrecked.When I put it back together this time I made sure the rag joint wasn't bottomed out in the coupler and greased the joint.The column was reinstalled along with the shim in the front column mount. I didn't drive the car much before I tore it down for the rebuild as the LCA bushings were pretty much MIA. I will drive it as is for now, it isn't that big of a deal, but will continue to try to flag down the issue. Thanks again guys for the input.

 

[Revhendo]

The column doesn't appear to have any drag on it, at least when it is out of the car. The car doesn't have any rust or frame issues around the suspension mounts and doesn't appear to have been wrecked.When I put it back together this time I made sure the rag joint wasn't bottomed out in the coupler and greased the joint.The column was reinstalled along with the shim in the front column mount. I didn't drive the car much before I tore it down for the rebuild as the LCA bushings were pretty much MIA. I will drive it as is for now, it isn't that big of a deal, but will continue to try to flag down the issue. Thanks again guys for the input.

Keep us updated on this one. I'm really sorry I didn't have the fix all answer.

 

[68sportsatelliteragtop]

There never is a "fix all" answer with these 40+ year old cars w/unknown histories. I do appreciate all the brainstorming and input from all the knowledgable people on this site.

 

[Propwash]

Adjustable strut rods (like hotckis makes) will allow you to dial in more caster than factory.

 

[Scatransit]

Can you post the measurements the shop wound up with? From reading the posts, I gather that this is a power steering car. The control valve adjustment is for neutral cancellation of hydraulic assist. It has little - if any - influence on return to center. The function of return to center is mainly dependent upon the Caster adjustment, and only a factor when the vehicle is operated. Are the cams installed properly? Sometimes they will get forced in the wrong direction causing them to bind or come out of their mounting cavities. The cams should start life with the thicker portion of the washer facing down. They should never need to be rotated more than 90 degrees in or out from that position. If that is all good, then an offset UCA bushing or an adjustable strut rod is in order. If you have some pics to post so we can see the orientation of the cams, that would be helpful too....Good luck with it!

 

[65coronut]

Loosen the retaining nut on the adjuster for the steering box and try backing the adjuster out a little.
I did not read all of the posts on this thread so I am not sure if this has been relayed by anyone else.
So much redundant information out there, but with my manual box on my car had been mal adjusted by the previous owner and with the adjuster in to far would not return to center as it should have.
If the box is in good shape and is properly adjusted it will return to center unless there is something terribly wrong with you front suspension.

 

[66_B_Body4ever]

You're not going to get much returnability with 1 degree positive or negative caster. If the tech is struggling with bringing camber into spec and not achieving caster something in the geometry is wrong. As Cranky mentioned, has the car been hit before? If it has been tagged in the front, that may have caused the upper ctrl arm mounting area to roll in which in return would reduce camber. The tech would have to use most of the adjustment in the adjustment cams just to regain camber, which in turn limits any ability to adjust caster. Is the car at the factory ride height? I am not 100% certain but you should have about 3 degrees caster and be within 1/2 a degree from side to side. I am going to my shop today to wheel align a Bimmer, I will see if I have spec's on your car... Whats the SAI/IA spec? Post some actual numbers from the alignment shop would help.
Also, measure the lower ball joint position. How? take a tape measure and from the front torque box jig hole measure from the edge of the hole (Lt/Rt) to the centre of the lwr BJ (be accurate and keep the tape straight). Compare the left and right measurements, they should be within 3mm or 1/8" of each other, this will affect caster.
-J