4 minutes ago, classic said:

Ok, could it be as simple as the steering angle sensor needing to be recalibrated ?

If the alignment has been done correctly with the steering wheel centred it may now need the steering angle sensor to be calibrated so the traction control and steering systems know the steering wheel position.

I did do this myself at one point (point 6 at the top) and mentioned it at the most recent garage, but they didn't seem to think it was relevant. I could try it again. I neglected to reply to your question about lane assist, which my car doesn't have.

The steering angle sensor adjustment is definitely a thing to do as part of a wheel alignment/geometry adjustment.

Here’s an example, but there’s also hunter training videos online which show it.

@classic Oooh, ok, thank you! I'll be insisting upon that next time around then - I presume there's no point me doing that myself at this point given it's current state i.e. perhaps it needs to be re-aligned again first?

Yes, it’s a long time since I did wheel alignments (pre steering angle sensors !). But it seems it is a part of the process to recalibrate it. You did do this but not as part of the alignment when the equipment was on and the wheels all in the exact positions. You wouldn’t need to be far out for the computer to now think the steering wheel is straight when it’s actually a degree off to one side.

Maybe that causes it to apply some force to the electric power steering or effects the electric diff system, I’m guessing here but they are extremely complex systems.

Edited 2 April, 20251 yr by classic

3 hours ago, netman82 said:

They did check the brakes etc., which I neglected to mention. However, I doubt this would be the cause though, as the car drives straight i.e. it doesn't actively pull to the right. It only does so when the steering wheel is centred. If I let go of the wheel when driving straight the steering wheel is offset to the left. I hope this clears things up a little.

Then all that is needed is to shorten the left tie rod and lengthen the right one an equal amount. I am amazed that a garage can't sort this out.

22 hours ago, netman82 said:

Good thinking on the OE procedure, I'll have to take that to them when I return. I wonder whether they'd be up for a subframe alignment though! What part of the country are you in @IulianE (assuming the garage you used is in the same location)?

Bucharest

UPDATE: Success!

The issue has finally been resolved by a really great bunch of guys over at Autotecnic in Sheffield (go there!). They figured out that the alignment specs coming up for my vehicle, were not in fact the 'correct' ones, so they cycled through all the options for a Superb until they found the correct one. It was a real head scratcher for all involved, but thankfully Ross at said garage got to the bottom of it. He went above and beyond and his charges were beyond reasonable all things considered. They run a tight and professional ship, and are super friendly, straightforward and clearly committed to delivering excellent service. Great stuff, I am one happy bunny, once again driving straight down the middle 😄