Just a question for y'all. Is there a method to pull the transmission and do a clutch job without lowering the front subframe or disconnecting the steering joint?

I ask because I just had a clutch job done. On getting the car back I noticed my steering wheel is off-centered, I have to point the wheel at about 11 o'clock to drive straight. Wheel alignment seems ok. My last alignment was two years and 20,000 miles ago.

I asked the shop if they could fix the wheel being off-centered, because I assumed they disconnected the steering joint as the shop manual calls for and didn't put it back together straight. They said they never lowered the subframe or disconnected the steering joint; that they were able to pull the transmission another way "because your car is RWD".

Honestly I'm a little out of my element arguing with a mechanic, so I just let it be and accepted their explanation. He opined that my alignment may be off from tie down from towing. I'm not so sure.

 

It is possible to do a clutch job on a s2000 without lower subframe, you would have remove the engine mounts to get to the tops bolts for the bell housing. They should just correct your alignment with all the money you spent lol I would check if they actually center your wheel straight or if you alignment is just off. Just note any time you touch a subframe it shifts and will throw of the alignment as well

 

I think the guy who told you this... is not the guy who actually replaced your clutch. He doesn't sound like he knows what he's talking about.

Without lowering the engine (with subframe is simply the easiest method) it is not possible to reach the top bolt of the bell house.

To do this, you also need to disconnect the steering shaft.

Pretty sure they disconnected it, and connected it in the wrong position. They should have marked it.
You could do this yourself pretty easy... But I would take the car back to the garage and kick their asses

 

the best way is to lower the subframe. You could remove the engine mounts just like what the other guy said above but you will end up with more work in order to remove the engine mounts.

 

I call BS lol.

I have only done one but mark my words if ur a mechanic with any sorts of smart and or...they have more tools then I, which I would hope they do. The subframe is at the least "lowered"

Have u checked the steering rod for witness Marks or is it bent?

Updates?

 

To me 11 O'clock sounds like a lot and would ultimately not relate to such a drastic change by just dropping the subframe and/or even more going the engine mount route which still boggles my brain on how to reading this.

 

I messed with my mounts and lowered my subframe about 2-3" but didn't touch the column and my wheel and alignment is and was fine.

 

So I got under the car and tried to check on the steering joint. I loosened the upper bolt and removed the lower bolt, but I could not get the steering joint assembly to slide up the steering shaft toward the firewall. It was really stuck on there, like it had 15yrs of built up grime and I'd need penetrating oil and whole lot of muscle to get it to move. So, I think I can conclude they didn't disconnect the joint. Off to the alignment shop.

 

there ya go

 

... or they lowered the subframe and didn't remove the steering joint which would bend the whole steering assembly - is that possible?