The deposit is down following the test drive. WOW

[Nightmare]

so...did you have fun or what??!

[cranep]

Absolutely Stunned.. Seriously, this is totally and amazingly different than any other car that I have driven. When I first got in and took it down the road, I though hmm, steering wheel is'nt on straight.. and it looked like the dealder had replaced a broken driving lamp with a claw hammer. But after about 500 yds I realised that none of that actually matters one little bit..

1Lotus here I come..!!

Any suggestions on moving the steering wheel so that "straight is straight" would be appreciated (just to finish it off.)

Will be in touch with further reports..

[Gargamel]

If you bought it from a dealer then take it back and get it sorted

If it was private then I guess getting hold of the technical manual would help.. there are copies floating about for free (i think there is a web resources but there are copy rights so its a bit dodgy to download)

I guess a call to a helpful garage would be in order
try www.sinclaires.co.uk - or ask on the technical bbs forum of www.british-cars.co.uk (the lotus section natch)

[thub]

From the manual:

1. Pull off the centre trim pad with horn button, and disconnect the two horn leads.

2. To allow access for a steering wheel puller tool, it is necessary first to remove the column shroud.
- Release the four screws securing the shroud upper section, turning the steering wheel as necessary to permit access.
- Pull out the grommet from around the ignition switch, and remove the three screws securing the lower shroud to the column.
- If necessary, disconnect or remove the trip/panel lights control button and immobiliser socket from the lower shroud.

3. Remove the nut securing the steering wheel boss to the column. Match mark the boss and column to enable alignment to be maintained on re-assembly.

4. Use a suitable stering wheel puller tool to locate behind the steering wheel boss and bear against the end of the column.
CAUTION: If excessive force is applied to either the wheel or column without an appropriate puller, the telescoping mechanism of the outer column may be overridden, neccesitating column replacement.

5. If necessary, unclip the slip ring from the steering wheel boss and withdraw the horn lead. Withdraw the column bearing preload spring.

6. To refit the steering wheel, reverse the above procedure with the following notes.
- Clip the horn slip ring to the steering wheel boss with the turn indicator cancelling vane on the left hand side.
- Ensure that the column bearing preload spring is fitted over the inner column before fitting the wheel with the match marks aligned.
- Torque the steeering wheel to column nut to 25 Nm.


I knew I had the manual in the office for some reason.

Warning: It may be possible that the track rods are mis-adjusted, but it sounds to be simple wheel-realignment job from your descrption.

Good luck.

[cranep]

Phew, that sounds like a bit of fun. Will have a bit of a stab, thanks for the instructions.. If things get a bit sticky mid job think I will put it back together and get it to the dealer.

Fingers Crossed.