BigB2k5

iTrader: (1)

Well I got an A-spec wheel recently...

I took off old one with wheel puller thing I got from autozone... Put new one on...

I have a few questions...

First, how do you know if the wheel is on all the way? Old one was TIGHT going off... This one screwed in easy, then I took bolt back out and tried to remove because I didnt put wheel back on centered and couldnt get it off, and that leads to my below problem and questions...

2nd question, Well problem really...

I guess when I put new wheel on I had it turned to the right a little more then old one as when I drive now the wheel is cocked left. The car tracks straight just steering wheel off now... My question is can an Alignment fix this or only remove and replace steering wheel? I ask because I cant remove new wheel, I tried and the puller kit, the screws ripped out of the wheel and now I cant screw a wheel puller kit on anymore because it stripped the screw holes used...

Thanks in advance! *Crosses fingers*

MugenR

U need to fix that with your steering wheel... it'll come off.. once you tighten that bolt.. it sort of "locks" the wheel in place... so use your wheel puller.. or what i do is just bang on the side of the wheel to wedge it out.

BigB2k5

iTrader: (1)

Well I cant use the wheel puller because nothing I can screw it into... The shaft is fine, but the little holes that are on the wheel u screw it into are stripped... when I tried to remove, the 2 screws on the wheel puller poped out of the steering wheel and brought all the thread with them...

As far as what you said you did, its not good to bang on the wheels like that, it will damage some other things... Plus with how tight mine is I would have to bang it HARD...

But I was in hopes an alignment could fix it.

Ron A

You need to go to a shop and have them tap the holes you screwed up (pun intended), and put new threads in there so you, or someone else, can use the wheel puller again to get the wheel off.

I don't think an alignment will help if the wheel if off center because it wasn't put on right. There is only so much adjustment available. Besides, you risk screwing up the alignment if you try to go that route.

BigB2k5

iTrader: (1)

Arg, I was afraid of this...

The thing is we have a tap kit. We tried to re do one of the holes and it stripped easy. Its alomost like the metals used for the wheels is weak or something.

The strang part of all this is I know I have the notch on the 12 oclock position on the wheel close if not just 1 notch off from the shaft yet the steering is so much off center now..

Arg! this sucks soo bad... The dang puller thing isnt even my fault. I had the screw(s) in all the way and they just came out and brough all the thread with them and I know was right size screw...

Aegir

It sounds like you need the help of an experienced mechanic. The holes probably need to be drilled and retapped. You probably don't want to learn to do this on your $300 steering wheel. I'm guessing your puller was a low-buck model that came with bolts that were not a precise fit. That could explain the stripped threads.

Also, the splines on a new wheel may not exactly match the position of those on an old wheel. Even if you get it on in the right place, it could be a few degrees off. Even the slightest difference can be enough to notice if your used to the old position. This can be adjusted with an alignment, but if it's way off the wheel needs to be repositioned.

BigB2k5

iTrader: (1)

What is considred to much for an alignment?

I am going to take to the dealer sometime this week. I am not going to tell them anything other then my wheel is off center. Car only has 1k miles.... I am sure they will try the alingnment, but with me not telling them anything will they put my alignment off to much to offset it or will they be smart enough to know its more then alignment issue?

I am not sure what is considered to much for an alignment to fix though...

Ugg... I shoulda trusted my gut and not did it... I just hope its fixable and not going to cos as much as the damn wheel itself did, lol.... I will stick to doing mods that can not affect major things like steering and stuff, or else have prof installed... I am one of them, i wana learn and do myself people.... Well I have learned my les....

KJSmitty

Doen't get discouraged about being a "DIY" (Do it yourself) person. The only way you learn is to try. Some "lessons" are more expensive than othres.... This issue will just make you more aware/methodical on your next task.
As for your steering wheel. If you truly are off by one "spline" only, an alignment should easily fix it. I will preface by saying I am not an expert on the TL's front end but I'm sure the "tie rods" have plenty of adjustment for your wheel being off 5-10 degrees or so. Now, a little exaggeration here but if you attempted to fix say a 1/4 turn+ error in the wheel with the alignment, the rack-n-pinion would be too off center thus may not turn as far one direction vs the other etc.
Your plan to take it to the dealer is a good one. Either way they will start the alignment. If a tie-rod adjustment won't work, any "good" mechanic should then start checking for steering shaft/wheel installation issues. They will then find your stripped steering wheel etc. At that point your "bill" will start to increase.....

Good luck

BigB2k5

iTrader: (1)

Well, the steering wheel, you cant tell its stripped, I re-tapped it but I know its not strong as I used same size tap...

As far as you said for the may not turn to far one way as the other, is this something I need to worry about or will the dealer handle it?

The wheel is I would say at about 10:30-11 position If going off a 12 hour clock.

Is that to much?

KJSmitty

Ouch,,,,

OK, 10:30 would be 45 degrees off so my guess is your definitely more than one spline/groove off. I would probably take it in and just tell your service advisor what you did and have them perform the proper fix. An alignment may still be OK, but let them make that determination.
DIY is good. Chock this one up as a learning experience. One thing I do when I am not completely familiar with a task, and even if I am,, I try to brainstorm on all of the things I wouldn't/don't want to happen... Basically gets your mind "on" the task and keeps you focused through-out.

Good luck - let us know the outcome.

BigB2k5

iTrader: (1)

I starting to think its closer to the 11 o-clock. The thing is, it was already a LITTLE off before I did it.... I dont like letting other places work on my car because 90% of the time I do a better job and I know it was done right, but in this case I dont know..

My other major concern is I dont remember if I lined up the tab in the back with the wheel... I am 70% sure I did... I mean the wheel is on, and I tightned the shi* out of the bolt so I dont think it will fall off...

Oh well, nothing I can do now whats done is done, can only try to get corrected...

Would not care AS much but no Acura dealer near me... I have to drive 45 min to get to one... I got EVERY other dealer that you can think of BUT acura.... Its the wasted time that kills me... Money can be replcaedm time cant...

Anyway thanks everyone for their help. I dont feel so bad after reading some peoples comments, guess I just wanted to *vent*... I will reply with outcome that way if anyone else runs into this... Also if anyone else got any input please feel free.

KJSmitty

BigB, 11:00 isn't so bad.....
You may very well have got it on the right way. Many steering shafts will have one spline much larger than the others thus the wheel will only slide on if in the correct position.

**Anyone here know if the TL steering wheel only goes on one way??**

Just take it down to one of your local alignment shops. Tell them you replaced the wheel but this one is off center. They will be able to tell you if an alignment will suffice.

good luck

Aegir

The splines are the same - it could have been put on in different positions. It's easy to mess up because the wheel is off the car for about an hour as the electronics are transferred from the old wheel to the new one. When you get back in the car to install the new one it's easy to forget the exact position. Even if it's done right, it could still be off a couple degrees because the wheels are different. The cores may be different - seems unlikely but possible. The A-Spec wheel is made in Japan and the regular wheel was stamped Mexico.

deandorsey

it is common, the wheel is not going to be in the exact position as the old one...

if you want the wheel straight you need a TOE ADJUSTMENT.

from the installation guide:

31. Make sure the steering wheel is in the straightahead
position with the front wheels. If the spoke
angle of the steering wheel is not in the straightahead
position with the front wheels, adjust the
front toe as described in the Service Manual.

NOTE: The flat-rate time for installing the steering
wheel includes toe adjustment.