Okey dokey. Wheels dead ahead, all components have no play and geometry within tolerances Markers on steering box are out by about one of their widths. Does the drag link need adjusting? Cheers peeps
Drag link adjustment - yes, but as the last step! Sounds like you're doing everything right . For proper alignment of the steering, you start with the steering box (it's the centre of the steering universe). Jack the front up, then position the box in exactly the mid position: count turns lock to lock. Get your steering wheel straight if it's off a bit. Adjust box play, easier with the drag link disconnected: find centre, turn steering wheel 180*, then waggle steering arm and adjust until it stops clicking. Then...assuming your track rods are ok, you adjust the drag link ball joint to get the wheels in the straight-ahead position. This might involve a bit of driving up and down, as it's hard to judge looking at the wheels. With the drag link set, straight ahead will be *real* straight ahead, and you'll have adjusted the box so it's got a bit of preload (stiffness) in the centre position. Sorted! PS Box marker: as you're aware, in true straight ahead, the rubber pointer should line up with the square casting. This handy feature's so you can feel under the van to check the box position. If the pointers wonky, you can move it - it's just a rubber cap.
^what he said. Leave shifting the wheel on the column until you're quite sure the rest is sorted. The tab for cancelling the indicators should be on the indicator switch side or it'll only cancel after a hairpin bend.
