Alignment on 92 Explorer

[ddeg10]

My girlfriend recently purchased a 92' Explorer and the only thing that needs to be done is an alignment. The steering wheel is a bit off center, but the vehicle doesn't veer or slide a certain direction once the center is found. So that's pretty much the only reason we need to bring it in, is to center the steering wheel.

I called the dealership and they asked if I wanted a front alignment or a front AND rear alignment. Do I just need the front?

 

[BrooklynBay]

From what you are describing, I'm wondering if it is really an alignment, and not some previous owner's mistake reinstalling the steering wheel. Try to get that good spot that you have no problems with, mark the position of the wheel, remove the wheel, then reinstall it in the proper direction. Drive it around a little bit, and see if it feels like the alignment is off. If not, then that was the problem.

 

[ddeg10]

Is it fairly easy to remove the steering wheel?

 

[BrooklynBay]

You would need a steering wheel pulling tool. It is very similar to a pulley puller. They make cheap ones, and expensive ones. Do you have an airbag? Disconnect the battery first, and wait a few minutes for the module's battery backup to drain. Autozone loans them out if you don't want to buy one.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here is the link to Autozone with information on a steering wheel puller: http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stores/loan_a_tool/pullers_specialized/steering_wheel.htm, and here is a picture of the tool:

 

[ddeg10]

There's no airbag in it.... doesnt that mean thered be no reason to pull the wheel off so they couldnt have re-installed it incorrectly?

 

[BrooklynBay]

They could have pulled off the wheel to replace the lock cylinder, or to do some other repair. Maybe some shop tried to do a wheel alignment, and thought that the wheel was off center.

 

[ddeg10]

OK cool - thank you.

 

[Timoteo]

Does the vehicle pull to one side or the other when driven? The earlier Explorers were bad at having bushings wear out and you can end up with sagging and/or movement. The vehicle has likely been previously aligned and the alignment shop may have not done a good job of re-centering or checking the steering wheel. When they adjust for toe-in they will likely adjust only one of the connecting rods which could leave you off-center.
My 92 was always a bit to keep aligned. Fords with I-beam front ends are difficult, ask any aligment shop/mechanic.

Good Luck.

Tim