All,

After doing an extensive search and review of the archives, I still couldn't find what I was looking for, so I've come to post here for advice/feedback on the prognosis of my situation.

I have a 2005 S2k in stock set up and was driving that the track. I lost grip on the rear of the car mid-turn (no I didn't lift) due to entering it a bit too hot. As a result, the car began to oversteer, I made the first correction, but as it continued to slide, I made a second counter correction and was at full opposite lock. I was going about 45 mph at the time and stayed on the track the entire time. When the car came to rest, I came back up to speed, but noticed that the steering wheel had now been knocked out of alignment. I.E. when the wheel was straight it was driving to the left (not major) but enough so that in order to get the car going straight, you'd need to have the wheel turned about 15-20 degrees to the left.

After inspecting the car, I noticed that everything (with the exception of the alignment of the wheel/steering wheel) was ok.

My question is that by getting an alignment job (which I obviously need now) would that solve the problem and correct the non-aligned steering wheel to true dead center as it was.

I didn't hit anything, and wanted to check here before asking for an alignment as the best course of initial action.

Thanks for your help and response.

 

Definitely an alignment is the first step. Can't guarantee that there was not more serious damage...but since you didn't hit anything I'd say I'm 95% sure that an alignment should take care of the problem.

Did you go over the rumble strips sideways?

 

Thanks for the response. I did have the rears slide across the FIA curbing sideways, but upon inspection no visual damage (again). Any other thoughts etc.. would be appreciated.

the car (which I drove home from the track, 175 miles drove fine and with the exception of the steering wheel being off-center drove fine.

thx,

 

The universal joint connector between the shaft and the EPS unit is loose. It's right beside the AC compressor. there are two splined shafts that go into it and are tightened with compression. One of the two bolts which squeeze the splines is loose. The service manual details how to check and correct this.

 

WOW, thanks Cthree!

that's fantastic. I appreciate the answer and response. i don't have the svc manual or bently manual so if you and possibly direct me or post a link/pic of this, I'd truly appreciate it.

or email/pm me would also be fine.

Thanks,

David.

 

I highly suggest you get a manual, without one you are flying blind.



You will need an alignment and you will need to reset the EPS unit neutral position but for a quick at home fix until then:

Center the wheels (as close as you can eyeball
Remove D
Loosen E
Slide the joint back toward the steering wheel (arrow), off the EPS input shaft C
Have someone sit in the car and hold the wheel dead straight
slide the joint back into place on the EPS input shaft C
tighten E and D to 16 ft lbs

 

wow great response. i'm unclear on a certain aspect of this. once this procedure is done, is an alignment in need? i just got my car aligned, but my steering wheel is a lil off center. it is not dramatic, but it does bother my O.C.D. mind somewhat.

 

You should return to the alignment shop and complain. That sort of adjustment is normally made during alignment. You should not do this for a slightly off-center wheel. That is done by adjusting the tie rod ends at alignment. When you get your alignment they will reach over and center the wheel. Obviously the guy doing it was sloppy or has one leg shorter than the other.

Yes you do need an alignment because the wheels are probably not perfectly centered. This is a "get it close and tightened properly so I can get it perfect with an alignment" technique.

 

thanks for the news although sad news. the guy that did the alignment did a great job overall, but over corrected for the stock pull i was having towards the other direction. the fancy computer alignment machine printed out the specs and everything was on point.

 

cthree, I'm kind of curious how often you think that splined coupler slips. To me that's a huge safety issue.