[Z06] Re-alignment after clutch change?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 175
From: IN
Re-alignment after clutch change?
Hey all!
I had to change the clutch again in the '01 Z06(long story, but not pertinent to this discussion), and upon driving for the first time after re-assembly, the steering wheel is no longer centered. It's not off that much(perhaps a 1/4"), but it's definitely different than it was.
Now, I know there is really only one way that the rear suspension cradle can go in(with the pins, bolts, etc), but there is a *little* play in it. Probably wouldn't take much for it to move the steering wheel off center a bit.
The car seems to track straight, doesn't pull left or right, nothing feels loose, it's just that the steering wheel isn't straight any longer. Is there something I should check, or should I just have it re-aligned and get back to driving?
Brian A.
90 ZR-1
12.09@118
01 Z06
not quite stock
I had to change the clutch again in the '01 Z06(long story, but not pertinent to this discussion), and upon driving for the first time after re-assembly, the steering wheel is no longer centered. It's not off that much(perhaps a 1/4"), but it's definitely different than it was.
Now, I know there is really only one way that the rear suspension cradle can go in(with the pins, bolts, etc), but there is a *little* play in it. Probably wouldn't take much for it to move the steering wheel off center a bit.
The car seems to track straight, doesn't pull left or right, nothing feels loose, it's just that the steering wheel isn't straight any longer. Is there something I should check, or should I just have it re-aligned and get back to driving?
Brian A.
90 ZR-1
12.09@118
01 Z06
not quite stock
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 32
From: Central Florida
Hi Brian.
Because the rear incl wheels were dropped as part of the clutch install, the alignment should be reset after the car is back together.
I had two new clutches in my 2002 Z. Fresh alignment after each one. One under warranty by a Chevy dealer and one by a Corvette-only shop. Both times SOP included an alignment.
Ranger
Because the rear incl wheels were dropped as part of the clutch install, the alignment should be reset after the car is back together.
I had two new clutches in my 2002 Z. Fresh alignment after each one. One under warranty by a Chevy dealer and one by a Corvette-only shop. Both times SOP included an alignment.
Ranger
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 175
From: IN
Ranger:
I already knew the answer, especially with the steering wheel off center.. I was mostly concerned that it was an issue due to something being loose. Always good to hear it from someone else when you are unsure!
Thanks again!
Brian A.
90 ZR-1
12.09@118
01 Z06
not quite stock
I already knew the answer, especially with the steering wheel off center.. I was mostly concerned that it was an issue due to something being loose. Always good to hear it from someone else when you are unsure!
Thanks again!Brian A.
90 ZR-1
12.09@118
01 Z06
not quite stock
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 32
From: Central Florida
Returning a freshly aligned car with an off-center wheel is a common dealership issue.
Such a simple attention to detail lapse by the alignment tech is aggravating. After about a 50% redo rate at three dealers, I started having mine done at a Corvette-only shop where they get the alignment dead-nuts the first time, every time.
Ranger
Such a simple attention to detail lapse by the alignment tech is aggravating. After about a 50% redo rate at three dealers, I started having mine done at a Corvette-only shop where they get the alignment dead-nuts the first time, every time.
Ranger
