I have a nissan altima 2001, recently had the rear brakes tightened, then got the front tires balanced both times car had to be jacked up, now the steering is off and the driver's side rear wheel is twisted in at the top and out at the bottom (also swerves when the rear hits a bump of any type). Been to a mechanic he said something about the low end rod and that it's a dealer part. Went to AutZone they never heard of it. I need help bad. Thanks everyone.
2007-09-13 16:05:39 · 9 answers · asked by MS 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
AH! Whoever jacked up the car put the jack in the wrong place and bent the lower control rod by placing the jack under it and not on the proper jacking point of the car. Obviously an "old school" mechanic as suspension components were a lot stronger back in the days of simple heavy gauge components and you could do that then!
The dealer will have to Order it as it is not a stocked item. Having the dealer do it would be best.
Try a "new car" wrecking yard!! They should have an Altima there!
2007-09-13 16:11:43 · answer #1 · answered by mdcbert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any specific suspension part that connects the rear spindle to the frame is considered a dealer OEM (Original Equipment Manufactured) part. It's strange that the car steered fine and did not wander before it was jacked up to have the brakes worked on. I assume you meant the emergency brake cable was tightened. Did they put your car on a lift or did some moron slide a floor jack under the delicate rear suspension and proceed to bend the crap of one of the control arms. There are specified lift points under a car and unless a bushing is damaged (not their fault) something major was bent. You didn't drive it across a woodchuck hole of was involved in an accident. A 2001 suspension part doesn't bend on its own.
From your description you have negative camber in one of your rear wheels. A good alignment shop could either straighten or replace the bent suspension part. After the part is replaced or fixed the alignment will need adjusting as you have an independent rear suspension with front wheel drive. These types of cars are not the strongest or toughest by a long shot. All four wheels are required to be checked for toe, camber and caster if there's an adjustment for it.
2007-09-13 16:36:26 · answer #2 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did the problem exist before you had the brakes and balancing done, or was it after? Where did you get these jobs done?
If the problem began AFTER these services then, obviously, whoever did it might have messed something up. Whatever you do, take your time to research and understand the problem, even if its only some basic knowledge. Look for nissan altima online forums and post your question there, you will get lots more help. Look online for a car parts glossary so that you at least know what a lower control arm is.
http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/nissan-altima-forums/
http://www.nissanforums.com/forum_index.php
http://www.innerauto.com/store/products.php?year=2001&make_text=nissan&model_text=altima&category=suspension&subcategory=control_arm
When dealing with mechanics knowledge can literally save you THOUSANDS of dollars and the embarrassment from knowing you have been ripped off.
2007-09-13 16:22:27 · answer #3 · answered by legionario 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take it to the dealer and see what they have yo say about it. a 2nd opinion never hurt anyone. now did the jack the car or did they put it on a hoist? It's not common for something like this to happen unless there was alot of force placed on the lower control arm. I would have the dealer or your mechanic show you the part and what it wrong with it, before I would spend money on it.
2007-09-13 16:23:19 · answer #4 · answered by gearnofear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it in to your Nissan dealer. They really know the car better than anyone else. Get them to do a suspension check..probably around $70. They will be able to diagnose it for you.
2007-09-13 16:15:35 · answer #5 · answered by girl_fired_up 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think they might have bent the control arm on it,ever who jacked it up put the jack on the wrong thing,and that messed it up,id ask them to replace it since they may have been the ones who did this,you can buy a good used one at a salvage yard for about 25 bucks,but id ask them to fix it,they should know where to jack a car up at,good luck with it.
2007-09-13 16:19:10 · answer #6 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did mechanic say lower control arm, or tie rod end.... sounds like a control arm issue. take vehicle to a ase certified tech or a trusted tech in your area. if tire is out as far as you say it is dangerous for you to drive. if you have technician estimate or anything he wrote email it to me and i may be able to help also any other repair receipts will help, like tire balance or brake work. i am a 29 year tech that is out of work due to injury..really bored and willing to help all i can
2007-09-13 16:18:01 · answer #7 · answered by naskid910 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can buy em from other places , if u buy it from the dealer o crap are they gonna rip u off, here u go i found some for u check the link below
2007-09-13 16:15:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would not trust the autozone guy.... i would really think its more of a wheel problem or something else since you say it wobbles or something is just loose
2007-09-13 16:12:35 · answer #9 · answered by henrysol 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋