Steering Return to Center

Joined
Dec 28, 2018
Messages
58
Location
NC
Hey all, I have been running 35s on my LT pickup for a few months now and I have noticed that the steering does not return to 0 very well or at all. You really have to guide it back to wherever you want to go. Just curious if you think adding a cooler/more PS fluid in the system would help, or would I need a higher pressure system all around, or something else entirely? The alignment is good, or at least plenty good enough that I don't think its the culprit, because it does drive straight if you point the steering wheel straight and let go. I think its probably a pretty noob question, but I'm happy to be educated!
 

AssBurns

will wheel for beer
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Yucaipa, CA
First thing I’d check is your caster. Caster helps return to center. Does your steering wheel feel stiff at all when turning or is it really easy to turn? If it’s caster that’s really low then the steering will be really easy and at speeds it will feel a little more darty. Did you get an alignment sheet after the alignment?
 

Mike_taco4x4

Overlandbound #23345
Dunce
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Hey all, I have been running 35s on my LT pickup for a few months now and I have noticed that the steering does not return to 0 very well or at all. You really have to guide it back to wherever you want to go. Just curious if you think adding a cooler/more PS fluid in the system would help, or would I need a higher pressure system all around, or something else entirely? The alignment is good, or at least plenty good enough that I don't think its the culprit, because it does drive straight if you point the steering wheel straight and let go. I think its probably a pretty noob question, but I'm happy to be educated!
Same problem recently. It was aligment.
 

Dukestaco

Stirring the pot 24/7
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Tucson
First thing I’d check is your caster. Caster helps return to center. Does your steering wheel feel stiff at all when turning or is it really easy to turn? If it’s caster that’s really low then the steering will be really easy and at speeds it will feel a little more darty. Did you get an alignment sheet after the alignment?
Took every word out of my mouth and posted it on these thread.
On point my man.
Caster caster caster. Did I mention caster.
https://www.quora.com/How-does-the-caster-angle-affect-the-vehicle-dynamics
 
Joined
Dec 28, 2018
Messages
58
Location
NC
Ok yes, it sounds like it would be caster then. No, I haven't found a person who can align this truck -- dealer, third part garage -- so I have been aligning it on my own in the barn. It's definitely not great, but I finally have it driving straight. A feat that no single shop anywhere has been able to accomplish yet. I will have it professionally aligned again though... here's to hoping...
 
Joined
Dec 28, 2018
Messages
58
Location
NC
@eimkeith Do you have any recommendations for places to get alignments in the area? I forget who the other NC locals was, but open to suggestions!!
 

eimkeith

IFSFFS.
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52
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I got you - but we’ll have to do it on a weekend (one-man shop)
 
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