F53 – Centering steering wheel on Ford F53 motorhome

IMPORTANT – If using the procedure I originally used (removing the steering wheel),  this could result in the turn signal cancelling feature not centering.  To resolve this, I removed the steering wheel and re positioned it on the shaft so it was centered to the turn signal cancel. I then re-centered  the steering wheel by removing the shaft on top of the steering box and re-centering it there as per the TSB.  The turn signal cancel is now about centered in its travel (about equal distance to cancel left or right turn.

ALSO, later model F53s had a keyed steering wheel instead of the spline steering wheel, so the only way to recenter is to remove the shaft on top of the steering box.

When traveling down a straight road, my steering wheel was turned about 20 degrees to the left..  After reviewing hundreds of F53 postings on different forums about how to correct the steering wheel, this is what I found.

CENTERING THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE ADJUSTING TOE-IN DOESN’T WORK ON THE F53

A car has separate toe-in linkage adjustments on each side of the car. These adjustments allow each wheel to be adjusted separately without disturbing the steering wheel or the other wheel.

However, the F53 has one adjustment for both wheels, like a turnbuckle. It adjusts the toe-in of both wheels at the same time with one adjustment. Although its possible to disconnect the linkages on the end of the turnbuckle and move them individually, I suspect this can be a time consuming “trial and error” procedure. The linkages would need to be disconnected, adjusted, re-connected, then toe-in checked. This process could require several repeats before the toe-in is acceptable and the wheel is straight.  Its far easier to make one toe-in adjustment, then re-center the wheel at the steering box or by pulling the wheel.

There seems to be two styles of steering column shafts on the F53.

Pre-2011 have a fully splined steering wheel shaft.The wheel can be removed and re-positioned on the shaft to correct for centering. CLICK HERE for Ford Procedure (Article 98-21-20)

Post-2011 have a keyed spline shaft, the steering wheel fits one way on the shaft, so centering corrections need to be done at the steering gear box. Use the Pre-98 procedure as described in the above.

RE-CENTERING at the steering wheel: 

NOTE – I don’t think any older F53s have airbags in the steering wheel, However, if you do,  remove all power and disconnect the batteries 20-30 minutes before starting. This will guarantee you don’t inadvertently set off the air bag.

1) Start the engine and turn the wheel so the front tires straight.  Note the position of the steering wheel.. Shut the engine off.

2) Remove the two little covers and bolts from the front side of the steering wheel. These hold the center cover on.

3) Disconnect the connector from the center cover and set the cover aside.

4) Loosen the center bolt a couple turns. We need to pry against it with the puller.

CAUTION – To much tension on the wheel puller could break the steering wheel aluminum casting.

5) To get the wheel to pop lose,  sometimes you can pull up on the wheel and at the same time give the loostened center bolt a good wack with a hammer.

If this doesn’t work, use a steering wheel puller and put tension on the wheel.  If it doesn’t pop off,  tap the wheel and puller with a hammer.

6) When the wheel pops off, inspect the slip ring.  if OK then reinstall the wheel with it centered correctly.

7) Re-assemble in the reverse order.