Steering wheel alignment?

blueburbboober · 01-02-2004, 04:10 PM

quick question. i found a bunch of parts on my front end that needed replacing, looks like the previous owner had a pretty harsh wreck. im not too happy....

after days of work and hundreds of dollars, my burb now has a really tight suspension. one problem, its out of alignment. my steering wheel is really turned just to go straight as well. how does an alignment shop make the steering wheel look staight? do they take it off and reassemble it? or do they just adjust steering linkage?

i want to know, since my steering wheel's finish is wearing off, i might have them replace it if they take it off. Thanks for any input!

-Rob

toivo · 01-02-2004, 04:23 PM

shops straighten the steering by adjusting the tierod ends which returns the wheel to it's normal position.

blueburbboober · 01-02-2004, 04:47 PM

I asked the dealer just now, he said that sometimes they do pull the steering wheel. but WTF!!!! i asked about the price of a steering wheel. $482.91 for a frickin steering wheel!!! common people!!! super rediculous. grrrrr.....

enough of my venting, so does anyone know of some cheaper ways to get a steering wheel? its for a 95 burb with grey leather.

sidenote: anyone know if the hurn button/airbag cover can be swapped out off another burb? mine is black and should be grey.

is it common for the steering wheel's finish to be comming off?

-a very upset Rob...

toivo · 01-02-2004, 04:52 PM

i missunderstood you. call a junkyard and ask for a used steering wheel. you should be able to get one very reasonable.if your not mechanically inclined you may want to have your garage replace it or an autobody shop without to much cost involved.

blueburbboober · 01-02-2004, 04:57 PM

im VERY mechanically inclined, just very scared about setting off the airbags. i have not found anything that shows how to disable them so you can pull the steering wheel off. unless someone can give me explicit directions on how to pull the steering wheel, id rather not mess with a ticking bomb.... if you get my drift.

thanks for your ideas, ill check around some of the salvage yards around here for a steering wheel.

-Rob

toivo · 01-03-2004, 12:49 AM

i did forget about the airbag and can understand your conondrum. the steering wheel finish is probably coming off because of a previous accident where it was flexed, hence the different colored cover. most motor manuals require you to take it to a dealer or bodyshop to replace the airbag but if yours still has one you should be able to get a steering wheel at a junkyard and have a bodyshop put the new wheel on and swap the airbag. keep on looking, don't let them beat you until you have exhausted all avenues. talk to a bodyshop and get more info. also pick up a repair manual for your rig if your going to keep it. you'll never regret it. toivo

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