Somethings bent but cant figure out what

**looseboost** · 01-08-2009 09:09 AM

So i hit a curb with the back driverside wheel... turned out the wheel was bent so i replaced that. Bring it to Mavis to get a alignement and they say somethings bent but we cant figure out what... Bring it to another mechanic and they also cannot figure out whats bent. Im just stuck at what i should do next. Should i just replace the Control arm and start there? Is the Control arm something i can do myself?

**mholme** · 01-08-2009 09:28 AM

It's a finite amount of things it could be, control arm, tie rod subframe, axle, but I'd get it diagnosed correctly before just replacing parts. They couldn't figure out what it was from an inspection??

**blmlozz** · 01-08-2009 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by mholme

It's a finite amount of things it could be, control arm, tie rod subframe, axle, but I'd get it diagnosed correctly before just replacing parts. They couldn't figure out what it was from an inspection??

the rear control arms are cast iron iirc, I don't think they'll bend more than break. Are we sure the OP took the car to a mechanic that acutaly knows how to perform an alignment on these cars?

**quattro16** · 01-08-2009 09:37 AM

Finding things bent is not an easy task. Could be bent ever so slighlty the eye cant tell. The best thing to take the wheel off and use a tape measure and measure different points on the, spindle,upper arm, sway, bearing etc.... Then compare with other side. My bet is either the spindle or upper arm. Also what couldnt they get in spec, Camber or Toe. That will point you in a better direction!

**looseboost** · 01-08-2009 09:43 AM

Yeah theres no bends visible. Tape measuring each side is a great idea to start with. Everything was -.** i forgot the Exact numbers i have the sheet at home for the alignment of only the wheel i hit of course.