When you own a vintage Willys Jeep, you should be ready for anything, especially during restoration. Some issues are common, such as rust, modernizing the electrical system, and updating the suspension. Others may not immediately be apparent, such as misaligned steering. Still, it’s important in the long run.
Centering the steering makes the vehicle enjoyable to drive. More importantly, it causes less wear and tear on the tires, keeps the vehicle perfectly aligned, and makes the vehicle safer for the driver and passengers as they traverse over any terrain.
If you lack certain mechanical skills, centering the steering might be a job better left to a professional mechanic who specializes in vintage vehicles. If you have the tools and wherewithal to tackle this important task, here’s an outline of how to center the steering of a Willys Jeep. Supplement this article by reading up on the steering mechanics of vintage Jeeps!
The Preparation Phase
Before you begin major adjustments or repairs on your Jeep, make sure your workspace is clean and tidy, all the necessary tools are nearby, and the area is well-lit. You will need several different wrenches and screwdrivers for the job, in addition to a jack and stands to raise the Jeep and keep it secure. Naturally, a car lift is a big help and even safer than jack stands. Get situated on a smooth and level surface before you begin, and make sure everything is secure before you go under the vehicle.
Step 1: Inspect the Steering Components
First, check out the existing components of your steering system. Look for evidence of wear and tear on the components, especially if you’ve already done work on them. A thorough check will help you catch minor problems before they worsen. Knowing what to replace will make the rest of the adjustment process easier.
Inspect the steering linkage, the various tie rods, and the ball joints for damage. If components are still in good shape, tighten loose parts. Otherwise, you may encounter issues and inaccuracies when working on the rest of the steering system.
Step 2: Center the Steering Wheel
Are all the components in place, in good shape, and secure? Great! Next, move on to centering the steering wheel. This is an important step, especially when aligning the wheels. Speaking of the wheels, turn the steering wheel left and right until you find its midpoint. The steering wheel should be perfectly centered when the wheels are pointing straight. If you have a steering wheel lock, use it to hold the wheel in place while you work. Otherwise, ask someone to assist you and hold the steering wheel in place while you make adjustments.
Step 3: Adjust the Steering Linkage
Once the wheel is locked in place, prepare to work on the steering linkage. During this process, you will make certain the wheels are aligned when the steering wheel is centered. Return to the tie rods, making any extra adjustments as needed. As a rule of thumb, turning a tie rod clockwise shortens it, while going counterclockwise lengthens it.
Take out your tape measure to ensure the wheels are equally distant from a fixed point on the frame. Though no cutting is involved in this step, it’s wise to strive for accuracy and measure twice! In fact, measure thrice to be sure.
Step 4: Test Drive and Fine-Tune
Once the job is complete, set down your Jeep and take it out for a short drive to be sure everything is copacetic. Seek a safe and not-busy road to try things out. Drive in a straight line, and note how the Jeep responds to your handling. If the steering feels like it’s pulling to one side or the other, a readjustment of the linkage is necessary. Drive it back to the garage or wherever you worked on it, and take another look. Make the same adjustments in small increments, take the Jeep out for another drive, and repeat the process until you find a solution. Keep trying until the steering is inarguably centered!
Step 5: Perform a Final Inspection
Is everything perfect? If so, take another look at the steering system. Even if it feels like you’ve hit that Goldilocks “just right” spot, it’s smart to perform a thorough inspection to be sure everything is in place. Even if your Willys Jeep drives perfectly, a final inspection might reveal an unknown issue. Inspect all connections, especially the tie rods and steering linkage, and confirm that they’re secure.
Be careful not to go too tight with anything to avoid the risk of damage! Keep an eye out for leaks while you’re down there, especially around the steering mechanism. Power steering fluid or some other kind of lubrication might be leaking. Fix leaks and top off fluids and lubricants afterward.
Step 6: Realign the Headlights
Believe it or not, adjusting the steering system may affect the alignment of your Jeep’s headlights. Are they still pointing straight ahead? Park the Jeep on level ground in front of a wall or similar flat surface in the early morning or evening. Flick on the headlights, and note the positioning of the beams on the wall. If they’re not perfectly straight ahead, adjust them until they are. Nighttime driving requires collaboration between even steering and even headlights!
Step 7: Schedule Regular Maintenance
Want the steering to remain centered and your Jeep to stay in great driving shape? Subject it to regular inspections and maintenance. Look at every other aspect of the vehicle, as well as the steering, and watch for anything that could throw off the Jeep’s alignment and maneuverability. If things don’t feel quite right down there, make an appointment with a vintage car mechanic or Willys Jeep restoration shops in your area. A professional with access to the right tools and parts should be able to keep your Jeep’s steering, and other components, in good shape.
That’s how to center the steering of a Willys Jeep. If you have any other questions or are seeking parts for your Jeep restoration project, contact us for a consultation today!
