[CJ428CJ]

No, the mounting bracket does not need to be exactly in the center. You just need to mount it up so the tip of the dial indicator contacts the scatter shield lip throughout 360 degrees of rotation. It won't matter if your dial indicator is centered or if it's off center by as much as an inch or 2 as long as it touches the lip all the way around. It's hard to explain but as long as the dial indicator fits within that scattershield opening, it works.

Chris