Anyone have this happen?

My mechanic tells me the steering knuckle can't be brought any closer or it'll rub the freshly installed headers. He recommends grinding it enough so that he can move it back which will re-center my steering wheel.

Is there an easier way of doing this?

 

What headers do you have? I installed my DC headers and had to center the steering wheel because it turned on me. But the knuckle is NOT even close enough to the header to rub.

 

If he disconnected the steering column to install the headers he might have reinstalled the column off by a few teeth from where it was before.

 

That's what happened after my Crawford header install - just remount the steering rack a few teeth over.

 

Thanks for the great suggestions and feedback.

They are TopSpeed headers.

I don't know if he disconnected the column to perform the install. I'll find out when I bring it back in. Is it possible to move the assembly over without disconnecting it? That was the impression I got from our conversation.

 

You have to disconnect the steering column to install headers, it doesn't matter which ones. There are two bolts that hold the knuckle on, you can loosen them up and realign your steering wheel. There should be some marks to line it up from the factory.

 

My mechanic tells me the steering knuckle can't be brought any closer or it'll rub the freshly installed headers.

The knuckle turns with the the steering wheel. Why would it not rub when the wheel is turned? It just needs to be repositioned.

 

just disconnect the steering wheel inside the car and center it then reattach. be careful with the airbag though. I've had mine off several times when installing the steering wheel audio controls, and if you search for threads by gt3 you will find the instructions in his writeup on steering wheel controls.

 

You guys were right...I was able to check it out once he got it on the lift and that is all they did - move it back to the factory on-center mark.

I think the owner just threw out that theory thinking the column runs to the front of the engine bay like on all the mustangs he works on...brain fart or something.

Forgiven. I don't have any leaks or rubbing, and the steering wheel is straight again!

Thanks for your input.