Winter Suspension Mishap

[M3Nick]

Hey all,

its that time of year again... in our first snowfall here in London when the roads were in bad condition, I made it all the way home only to bump my front driver side tire against the curb of my driveway. The tail end slid out and the impact was sideways.

The wheel was knocked out of alignment, so I had that fixed, but the steering wheel does not return to center (there is no steering return anymore) when I corner, or at all. I have to crank the wheel straight again to straighten out.

I took it into Probart and was quoted 700+ tax for a fix, they suspected a bent steering rod. And frowned at me when I asked about the lower control arm.

Another symptom is: normally you can use two fingers to turn your wheels/suspension left and right when its up on a lift, the mechanic had to use all of the force he could to do this.

The steering rod part used was 250 bucks, and the labour was about 400. I just paid tuition, so 800+ bucks for a fix isn't an option right now. Any suggestions on how to do this cheaper?

Thanks everyone!

[Cosmo77]

Any suggestions on how to do this cheaper?

Thanks everyone!

Yah...miss the curb...your lucky you didn;t bend a shock too...

[M3Nick]

Yah...miss the curb...your lucky you didn;t bend a shock too...

You know I very well could have... I don't think the mechanic even looked at the shock.

[Donutz]

If you were close to the GTA I would say go see Jimmy. He'll give you a proper quote on labour. What exactly is wrong? Is the 'steering rod' bent or just out of alignment?

[M3Nick]

I only hit the curb at 5km/h, but it was sideways, so really the suspension isn't designed to take the stress from that direction.

I did get an alignment done, so I assumed that would fix the "out of alignment" issues... I was back in the shop when the head mechanic said he was positive it was the steering rod that was bent.

When we were looking at the wheel, it was slightly receded inward (i'd say just BARELY noticeable, less than a centimeter) in the wheel well, compared to the rear wheel. Thats what made him suspect a bent steering rod.

Hope that helps...

[W_L89]

wow u hit the curb at 5km/h and it did that much damage? :S

i hit a curb sideways at 45km in my old topaz and my damage wasn't even as bad. alignment was messed and wheel bearing prob would of went in future but it was easily driveable

[M3Nick]

Yeah thats why I have a problem swallowing the 800+ bucks repair bill. :(

[zoom_concept]

This may still be a drive but not too bad and they should be able to help you out:

Here is the shop:

Creighton Service Centre

19 Rymal Rd E
Hamilton, ON L9B 1B9
(905) 383-7143

same place for parts located in Hamilton:

http://www.stagefourmotorsports.com/
email: jlien@stagefourmotorsports.com


good luck and sucks for your mishap...Booooo to Winter

[Donutz]

If this is the part you need it is $120 used: http://www.emotors.ca/used/parts/1265.aspx

[Tokic_o]

basically same thing happened to me in waterloo. I don't remember what exactly was damaged but my steering wheel was very stiff and I had to turn it manually straight. (i'm noob to this, but I remember him calling it the cross something bar LOL)

Went to Jimmy's and the part was about 300+ tax and labour was 150. totaled to about less than 500. Now my car drives fine and steering feels brand new.

[baymoe]

basically same thing happened to me in waterloo. I don't remember what exactly was damaged but my steering wheel was very stiff and I had to turn it manually straight. (i'm noob to this, but I remember him calling it the cross something bar LOL)

Went to Jimmy's and the part was about 300+ tax and labour was 150. totaled to about less than 500. Now my car drives fine and steering feels brand new.

If it's the cross member, you can get it here.

http://www.emotors.ca/used/parts/1478.aspx

[Tokic_o]

yeah that one. lol

[M3Nick]

basically same thing happened to me in waterloo. I don't remember what exactly was damaged but my steering wheel was very stiff and I had to turn it manually straight. (i'm noob to this, but I remember him calling it the cross something bar LOL)

Went to Jimmy's and the part was about 300+ tax and labour was 150. totaled to about less than 500. Now my car drives fine and steering feels brand new.

Thats exactly what I am experiencing... I will look into this... Thank you!

[Tokic_o]

good luck to you, and don't let them hussle you 800 for this. Its a Cross Member BTW.

sadly I cracked my lip as a result too lol