Straighten steering wheel

shouldn't need to as far as i know but what year is it, i just used to take shaft off top of steering box and get somone to hold wheel straight and put back on

 

cant understand why they would have one thats stupid if it does just turn it and see

 

It's a Volvo need I say more lol

 

As a former brake and front end mechanic, the following procedure is how you center the steering wheel.
1. Take the weight off the front wheels
2. Determine the center of the steering box by turning the wheel all the way to the left, then to the right (lock to lock) counting the total number of revolutions. Divide that number in half, and starting at either extreme( left or right) turn the wheel that number of revolutions.
Example: if it is 3 revolutions lock to lock, starting at either lock turn the wheel 1.5 revolutions. that is the center of the steering box.
3. Now adjust the tie rod ends( loosening the clamp and turning) to get to the correct toe-in spec on each side.
Any competent alignment shop can do this in probably less than 1/2 hour, and you will have the benefit of a proper toe-in spec, and most importantly the steering box is starting from the exact center position. For a variety of reasons that is essential. Never remove the the steering wheel, or make the adjustments by loosening a universal joint and moving a few splines.

 

I just used to pop the wheel and align but I guess the air bag thing is a game changer.

 

It's part of the ABS and traction control system. It is a Yaw sensor. Kinda important for the ABS to work properly but like @passingthru69 its a Volvo.

 

I am far from an expert but why would you disconnect the shaft from the box?


All you need to do is remove the airbag ( 2 allen screws wire connecting to airbag ) and use a 18mm socket and reposition the wheel.

I just did this to my truck and I got lucky or my truck isn't equipped with the Yaw sensor. First I replaced the steering with a new one. Then my contact ring broke. So I had this thing apart more times then I wanted but now can swap out a wheel or ring in 15mins.

No codes and my ABS still functions correctly.

 

@Studebaker Hawk that's technical!! But for me.....I had an alignment in October and got the wheel more to the right. I had booked a load and didn't have time for the shop to fix it. So I did it myself and truck still works fine for me.