Alignment Issue

[TRiBaL]

Has anyone heard of alignment issues after dropping the subframe? Had to do a gearbox job and dropped the subframe. Now the steering wheel is turned to the left when i go straight. Car was perferctly aligned previously. Mechanic said i just need a wheel alignment. Might it be something wrong? Steering box was not touched apart from being unmounted from the frame.

[alexperkins]

Depends if you've changed the subframe alignment

Just get your tracking done and it should be fine

[TRiBaL]

Depends if you've changed the subframe alignment

Just get your tracking done and it should be fine

Just found this on another forum:

"Just dropping and replacing a subframe won't guarantee that it aligns as it should, in fact, it's pretty hard to get it in the right spot without taking car to use the alignment holes. There's actually quite a bit of slop in how far the subframe can move, and it'll have a big effect on the front-end alignment.
I'd make certain that the subframe is aligned first before taking it to an alignment shop, or you could wind up wasting money on a couple of trips to the alignment shop and still not getting it right.
It's not hard to do, you can see the alignment holes somewhere in the subframe. One side is a slot, one side is a hole. With the front wheels off the ground loosen all four subframe bolts just enough that the subframe can be wiggled, and use a socket wrench handle or some pipe to align the holes in the subframe with the holes in the chassis, then tighten the subframe bolts back up.
If that wasn't done when you changed the subframe, chances are it's not where it needs to be to get a decent alignment."

I will go to the garage anyways for another issue. Should i tell them to do this before going to the wheel alignment shop?

[937carrera]

It might be worth making sure that the bolts and washers securing the subframe / steering box are back in the same position. Use the rust marks as a guide, one of the benefits of having older cars

[TRiBaL]

Talked to the alignment guy on the phone who confirmed what i wrote earlier. He will align the subframe first (it must be done by him not the mechanic) and then the wheels as usual.