Messed up my front alignment (maybe more???)
Hey got a question and looking for advice:
This morning I hit a square curb at about 10-12MPH (don’t ask, me being dumb!). I hit it *bad*. Front right(passenger side) wheel.
Huge "CLUNK," it was so bad I figured, “there goes my rim.” It didn't though, so I went ahead and drove the rest of the way in to work (about 20 miles (17+ of that highway)) without stopping to check until I got to work. Wheel and tire show no damage.
However: my alignment was noticeably off, immediately, but less than I’d have thought from the blow, I mean it was a *SMACK*. I thought I might have felt an imbalance too, if the rim had bent (it didn’t). In order to drive straight though I now had to turn the wheel a few degrees (I attempted to illustrate it in the diagram I drew up (though it’s exaggerated in the drawing in order to convey the intent) please see, below).
Here’s what I do know:
1. alignment it now off specification
2. right-side wheel is now in a dislocated position in wheel well (measurements in diagram)
I measured the wheels’ gaps to the body and noted it in the diagram (I have aftermarket wheels and tires – so don’t take the measurements to be stock but to illustrate that they are no longer “matching” side to side).
What I am worried about is that I hit the curb so damn hard I may have bent or displaced the suspension components…
Given your experiences how likely is it that:
1. Suspension components are bent to point that I need new ones?
2. It’s probably just alignment components, don’t get too stressed?
3. If #2, can a wheel be literally displaced in the wheel-well and still be fixed just by alignment components?
4. Where to take it?
#4 is a pretty big concern. I loathe the dealership, but maybe they’ll know this car better? I am hesitant about a “Firestone” alignment because, well it might as well be Wal-Mart (IMO). I am not in a big city so I don’t have any independent tuner/racer shops that might “know” suspension. What I am after is a quality diagnosis and a quality fix. Not some yahoo who just follows instructions from a book/screen and may have been flippin’ burgers last week…
Input, analysis and suggestions appreciated!
Also - FWIW if how I drive/treat the car helps: I hoon my Mirage, I am not afraid to push it (I've had it on the track twice already), most people would characterize my driving as very aggressive, I have fun in the car and "wring it out," I don't overly worry about any 'new' creak or squeak or rattle; I just *really* walloped the poor guy this time and am looking for advice
Last edited by Minihaha; 12-01-2015 at 06:14 PM.
Reason: more info:
ゼロ
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