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Inspecting collision damage can be tricky. In this video I inspect the damage from a minor collision with a curb. We’re mainly looking at the suspension components as there is little to no body damage but when you drive this car you can tell there’s defiantly something wrong. I think it goes without saying that experiences will vary in this situation but this video covers the basics of what to check should your vehicle be in a similar type of collision. If you have doubts consult with a professional as these components are safety related and you don’t want to make things worse. Otherwise, jump in and get dirty.
One last thing, I did send it off for an alignment and the steering wheel is not straight and she drives down the road just fine.
Some useful links.
Wheel bearing inspection: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdRpnK5MGQ8
Checking suspension noise: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scFbb43fwqk
Cavalier Power Steering Rack Replacement:
Discussion about this video: https://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/18-The-EricTheCarGuy-Video-Forum/44014-collision-damage-inspection-suspension#53396
Stay dirty
ETCG
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Of COURSE it was somebody's son…like my son, for instance. Thanks for posting…going to be taking notes now.
I've got a 99 Merc Sable – drivers front end hit a concrete median (car was run off the road). Replaced bend lower control arm. Replaced the wheel, then replaced the bearing twice. It was stable and solid until first drive, then bearings were loose again. I had overlooked a bent ball joint housing on the steering knuckle. Didn't realize how bent it was until I bought a new one to compare side by side.
Idk why I have some alignment issues on my 19 Camry took it in dealers to get it fix, they claim some kind of frame don’t want give details, tell me my tire are slightly cupped and 2 rims lightly bended, Ian not taking bs , they just don’t fix suspension competent eve. Though car under warranty
Thank you Eric !
Hi i know this video is 7 years old but I am just trying to figure out what is wrong with my car,
The car rolled down the hill and hit I small wall and a fence the damage doesn’t look bad but the back wheel is bent inward slightly it’s an aulid a1 2012 all I want to know how possible is it of it just being the wheel it’s self bent and not the frame because I know If it’s the frame it’s a right off straight away.
Please help
Kudos for the Video clip! Excuse me for chiming in, I would appreciate your initial thoughts. Have you heard about – Patlarny Vehicle History Principle (erm, check it on google should be there)? It is a great exclusive guide for discovering how to repair your car the simple way minus the headache. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my buddy finally got excellent results with it.
Repair shops and others will always try to say a cavalier is totaled! No matter what is wrong with it. Had it happen to me at least 5 times when i owned my cavalier ! Your just a boss though and actually went ahead n diagnosed and fixed it ! Everyone always just tried to get me to buy a new car. Haha
Bro I am in the exact situation 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
that car is for scrap
I had an idea what was causing the issue after my bf slammed my mother in law car into ditch but this video helped this woman in Florence SC Thank you
Can someone help me fix my car
That thing was all ready a pos, oil leaking everywhere so scrap it get a new car
Eric, or anyone in the know…after being rear ended, is there a diy way to check for frame damage that isnt obvious, or does that require a frame rack? An "after being rear ended" video would be badass….
Oh. I guess you answered that at the end….😶
How do I know if my rack and pinion needs to be replaced or something is just really loose. I have a wondering wheel
Thank you Eric. I know this isn't exact but very similar to my situation, I recently hit someone and it bent their wheel inward from the top about 1-1.5 inches and I'm going with her to the auto shop to get it fixed and see what will need done. But gives me an idea of what to expect or look for
CAN SLAMING INTO A CURB WITH YOUR FRONT TIRE CAUSE YOUR STEARING TO LOCK UP ON YOUR CAR
Hi Eric! I need some advice. I got gently rear-ended coming out of my driveway back in March and my pass rear tire on my '08 Pontiac G6 is bent inwards. I've had people tell me it's possibly the spindle or the upper control arm? What's your take? Any advice is welcome! Thank you everyone!!
The hell that ain’t shit 🤦ðŸÂ¾â€ÂÂÂ♂︠I got hit couple days ago and my rear tire is inwards and logged under the suspension.
What could popping noise when braking be. I had to floor the brakes for about 3 seconds straight and afterwards, there is popping at slow speed braking, it also pops when i let go of the brake
Can you do a video on a back tire that is press against the wheel case
Man I tdid the same thing as your friends son I replaced CV axle, control arm,tiy rods,and tiy rod links and it drove for a little and the I lost all power in my steering it acks like it locks up when I turn to the left what could it be??
where are you located?
Hi recently i hit my frint right tire on a curb the wheel broke i got a new one and replaced the tire now when i turn right that same wheel rubes the back of the wheel rubs were the mudflap would be i checked and nothing looks bent or cracked
Unfortunately I do not live near you. I do have a question I drive yup over a curb …it's driving but now my car will not shift on to drive. Could this have messed something with transmission. The car sets very low to the ground. Oh and yes it has transmission fluid
i have a 2004 nissan spec v and it was hit on the rear back side how can i make soure that
it did not do bad damage it still drives and i cant see no bent frame or anything
I recently had a accident in my 01 cavalier and the tire (same side) is pushed up against the rear of tge fender, how do i straighten it
I was in a front-end collision where I t-boned a GMC Sierra (they pulled out in front of me). My 2013 Jeep Wrangler is on a frame machine right now at the auto body shop. They are trying to decide whether to total it or not. If they don't total it, isn't it unsafe for me to drive? The metal will have been weakened after being bent and straightened.
why wouldn't you check and adjust the alignment 1st before replacing the rack?
It wasn't the weather's fault. Bad carpenters always blame their tools. Bad drivers blame the weather now huh?
pretty brave turning the wheels when the car is jacked up
I need a car so bad id drive it the way it is
Eric you awesome dude! I just slid into a curb today and seems like what you described. Wish me luck!! Go easy on the corners in the rain fellas!!
This guy sounds like Erlich Bachman from Pied Piper
Eric you jus save my car thanks i think this is the same thing to my 2006 dodge charger the guy said it was a bent spindel and i saw a dented rim but nothing else
hey I think my right rear wheel looks like its sticking out more on the bottom than the top, what would cause this? I drive an 07 scion tc 5spd, can't afford to pay a shop to find the problem
My 1998 Acura Integra go into a curb accident now my wheels and suspension is fucked and I doubt anyone knows what’s up
Have a question, I have a 2012 Toyota Prius 86000 miles. Car started clicking in the front with turning and applying braking since being rear ended during stop and go traffic. I told body shop and they refused to check it out, so I took to dealer and they said from front axles, but that it sounds different. I know I had zero noise before the accident. How could accident affect it??