I hit a curb (2002 mini cooper) while trying to take a corner too fast. Must have been going around 20-30 mph. Now my right front tire is diplaced towards the rear - at least it looks that way from the fact that it is almost 2 inches closer to the rear than the left wheel. I didn't even notice it for awhile, because the car still drove straight. Now it's been pulling to the left. And of course the front tires are worn. Does this sound like major suspension damage? I will take it in to a mechanic, but I want to have a feel for what might be going on before I hear it from him.
2007-06-16 08:00:58 · 4 answers · asked by datingguy 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It is major damage. The fix could be something minor like new struts, or it could be major like new A-arms. You will have to look to see what is bent. I assure you something is bent.
2007-06-16 08:04:57 · answer #1 · answered by Tomsriv 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If everything still works like you say, then your suspension mounts are bent. Your car has an independent strut suspension with a stabilizing arm. The points where all that connect to the car are folded over or bent back. It is actually quite dangerous, but you won't know it until the metal finally gives out.
Your mechanic will most likely want to (or have to depending on the contruction) replace the whole suspension assembly out of concern for weakened parts.
Similar thing happened to a Cherokee I had. The car drove great all the way to the shop, then I saw the damage when they lifted it.
2007-06-16 15:15:02 · answer #2 · answered by saj_flounder 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot can be bent expect lower control arm, strut and track rod and have the rim and tire ballanced on a Hunter GPS 9000 road force wheel ballancer. Also start listening for low rumble noise after the bent parts you can see are replaced which could be a bad wheel bearing. I do my high speed driving on Grandbury Motorsports Race track and other places where the curbs are not used for water runoff. Get your insurance involved if your deductable is less than 1000. The repair and realignment could easily cost over that amount. Worse if the subframe attachment points were bent too.
2007-06-16 15:09:48 · answer #3 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you bent the lower control arm and possibly the tie rod sleeve (common when hit a curb) the repair is simple and easy to do if you get a book and learn how to do it yourself and a lot cheaper as well, you will need an alignment as well after. Good Luck and GOD Bless
2007-06-16 15:06:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋