Ryan,

As long as the alignment was done properly, it shouldn't be a problem. It
simply could have been a matter of not having the steering wheel absolutely
straight when the alignment was perform. In other words, the wheels could be
properly aligned, but the steering wheel isn't "aimed" properly.

Try to find a very, very flat straight, smooth road. Flat and smooth are the
key, as most roads are crowned and the center of the road (left side when
you are driving) is higher than at the gutter. If you find a flat, smooth
surface, drive your van across it and very carefully lift your hands from
the steering wheel (keep them close by the wheel - don't hang them out the
window or be reaching in your pockets or anything). Does the van continue in
a straight line or does it pull to one side?

If it continues in a straight line, I believe you are O.K. (if I'm wrong
here, someone else chime in and set me straight). If you are pulling to one
side or the other on a flat smooth surface with the van evenly loaded and
all tire pressures set properly, you probably have an alignment problem.

If you are going straight with no hands on the wheel but the steering wheel
is aimed to one side, the fix is relatively easy. You simply remove the
steering wheel (it is held on with one big nut) and reaim it.

If you just need to reaim, drive into your driveway and make sure that your
front wheels are pointed absolutely straight ahead. Next remove the steering
wheel.You might need a breaker bar and an assistant to hold the wheel. The
steering wheel is held in place on splines. Mark the position of the wheel,
then pull it off. Now, put the wheel back on with it pointed straight ahead.
Put the nut back on to hold the wheel in place. I suggest using blue Loctite
on the nut.

My steering wheel is just a bit off right now because I took it off to
lubricate the electrical contact ring for the horn. When I put it back on I
got it a few degrees off. I hadn't marked it before removal.

Hopefully your alignment is in good shape. You can now either correct the
position of the steering wheel, or you can go on your trip and just resign
yourself to the fact the the steering wheel isn't absolutely straight. Once
you return home from your trip you can reaim the wheel then if you want.

If I missed any steps (this is a pretty easy process), I encourage other
list members to speak up and correct me.

Have a great trip.

Cheers,
Bruce
motorbruce

>From: Ryan Dawson <rdawson@UOGUELPH.CA>
>Reply-To: rdawson@UOGUELPH.CA
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Alignment Question
>Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 14:34:39 -0400
>
>Hi Everyone,
>
>I recently replaced the tie rods on my 1984 Vanagon Westfalia and took it
>in
>for an alignment.  When I checked the alignment before taking it in, I
>figured
>there was a 3/8" difference between the front and rear of the wheel
>measured
>from centre.  The gentleman and the shop said it was about a 1/2", not a
>big
>issue.  The question that I have is now that I have picked up the van, when
>drive in a straight line, I have the wheel slightly cocked to the left.
>Since
>I just had the alignment done, would this be an issue with the steering
>rack,
>or just the steering wheel, or something else?  Any thoughts are
>appreciated.
>I'm on my way for my camping trip in about a 1/2 hour and want to make sure
>that this isn't going to be a problem.
>
>Thanks,
>Ryan