Steering wheel not aligned after trans fluid change
 

I did a transmission fluid change on 03 S 6 speed and now the steering wheel is a little to the left when traveling straight. Doesn't seem to pull one way or the other. I'm guessing it's related to rear suspension alignment due to removal and reinstallation of aluminum braces and protective plate to access trans drain plug. Any easy fix? Should I just leave it if it's not pulling and seems to be handling fine?

Thanks!

I'm about to do my transmission fluid this weekend. Would like to know what caused this to hopefully avoid it.

bending one of the strut arms will do it

According to the manual, if the rear suspension is not fully unloaded when the sheet metal brace is removed one of the possible side effects is a slight change in alignment with a possible change of steering wheel position for straight ahead driving. That sounds like what you are experiencing. It sounds like it may happen even if it is unloaded?

Yes, this can happen even if the wheels are unloaded (ask me how I know). The car may need to be re-aligned.

The alignment is very sensitive to any changes while the metal panel is removed. And in IMHO, the action of simple removal and replacement of the metal panel can, in some cases, be enough to cause a change the alignment.

Well I can see that, as the lower plate boxes in the suspension. Wonder if loosening and tighting the plate with the car loaded will allow things to settle

I'm going to try loosening and re tightening with the rear suspension loaded and see what happens. Otherwise...re alignment
Thanks
Note....the car was fully unloaded on 4 jack stands and level when I removed plate and re installed. The plate was quite difficult to remove.

I went through all this last summer. I removed the plate and brackets (unloaded). I ended up having a hell of a time getting everything back together. I'll go back and read my threads to see how I ended up getting it resolved.