Dropped the S off last tuesday to have the clutch rattle tsb done. Finally got call today that it was ready to be picked up. Went tonight after they had closed to pick it up (had to work late) and the steering alignment was way off. My question is what does repalcing a clutch have to do with the steering alignment? I do know that they had never done this before and the tech had to read up on it and they say it took 3.5 days for them to do this. They also didn't fix a little noise I get when in Vtec that sounds like metal jingling. I can only hear that with the top up and radio off.

Thanks for any Ideas,

Mrcln1

 

If I remember correctly, the "by the book" procedure states that you must disconnect the steering column in order to drop the subframe holding up the engine. If they didn't mark the orientation of it correctly or didn't pay attention to their marks when reconnecting it then the wheel would be off-center after reassembling the car.

 

They have to loosen the steering rack mounts when they remove the transmission. More than likely, they either didn't tighten the rack down properly or didn't re-align the rack after installation. This can be dangerous so take it back to the dealer and have them fix it ASAP!

 

Same here... I'm glad I'm not the only one.

 

Happened to me...after clutch install.I was going around a curve at a pretty good clip and the wheel popped all the way over and the car tried to go straight. Luckily there was no oncoming. I fixed it myself. Don't trust the dealer anymore. If you get under the front end of the car you can see the rack and get to it.You will probably need someone to turn the wheel to line it up for you when you are under the car.You should be able to see the dirty spot on the splines that will tell you where it needs to be.

 

The steering rack is disconnected when the cradle is lowered.It has to be indexed or marked so it can be put back in EXACTLY the same position.Sounds like sloppy work to me.I would take it back to the dealership to have it fixed pronto.good luck!

 

Most dealers have found it easier to not disconnect the rack, just to loosen the bolts that keep it in place. Mine was loose when I picked it up ... I was pissed, but they fixed it immediately and it was as good as new.