Couple of thoughts on this: Before spending money on a wheel if you think the vehicle might still be a loss (Plus to save time by replacing multiple damaged parts at once) use the wheel from the other side to continue diagnosis. Don't forget you can compare the damaged side to the undamaged one.

After a run in with a curb because of snow, this video is just what I needed!

Ever since 4:35 I kept saying in my head, it's the rack. A bent wheel wouldn't be evenly bent all the way around, and the tie rod end would have to be bent a lot to contact that much. Plus by looking at how much that wheel is turned, it's obvious it's going too far. I think he went over all of that as a step by step for people who have a similar situation, but with a different issue.

Thank you. My 02 cavalier has the exact same steering wheel problem. But seems like power steering rack is most likely the problem from recent impact. Great advice and videos man.

Same situation, same wheel. Bad weather in the Northeast this winter. Just purchased my vehicle used. The worn tires weren't prepared for it. Understeered toward the curb on a sharp on-ramp. Luckily I oversteered at the last moment to correct it so it wasn't a head-on impact with the guard rail. Drifted sideways into the curb instead. Replaced the control arms. Did an alignment. Good as before.

Very good. I've unfortunately hit a curb as well, same wheel. I may get away with replacing some bolts and the hub assembly + bearing, but I didn't really know where to start for inspecting. I'd like to replace what looks like some bent bolts, put a new rotor on there, and hopefully drive to a shop that can do a full inspection.

I agree Eric...it's difficult to determine collision repair work until it's tore apart! Great video!

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.

@ 3:58 when it looked like there was contact I was thinking that the inner tie rod was bowed. I see that a LOT where I work. We get many out of state drivers that learn to drive in the snow for the first time.

Another great video. I have a 2005 Cav, hopefully never going to need a collission inspection but thank you ETCG.

VERY HELPFUL ERICK, HAD TO WATCH THIS VIDEO IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF MY CAR COULD BE FIXED, ANOTHER CAR HIT MY 04 MAXIMA ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT END, I WENT TO GET IT ALIGNED BUT WAS TOLD THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAS TO BE REPLACED AND THE HUB ASSEMBLY AND THE INNER AND OUTTER TIE ROD ENDS AS WELL. I HAVE TO WAIT TILL HERTZ CALL ME BACK IN ORDER TO GET IT FIXED, I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY CAR RENTAR COMPANIES DONT TELL CUSTUMERS THAT INSURANCE IS A MUST IN ORDER TO RENT, THANS

my first thought was to swap the left on to see if it makes contact with the tie rod, since its right there, free, and quicker than running to the salvage yard

Neat! I learned so much, yet again! ETCG is my modern day hero! In relation to awesomeness, I equate "ETCG" to "The Rock."

A great way to start my morning. Thanks Eric!

why wouldn't you check and adjust the alignment 1st before replacing the rack?

Great video! Can going over potholes too fast render the same results, in that it could bend the wheel and such? And what about pro-longed driving on a bent wheel, even if you're not making contact with other parts? Thanks!

Awesome effort on getting this car back in the road.

I know that. I did leave it in gear, but I forgot to allow the engine to roll onto compression and hold the car BEFORE applying the brake. Once the brake let loose, it forced the car out of reverse and then it was all down hill from there.

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

How do I know if my rack and pinion needs to be replaced or something is just really loose. I have a wondering wheel

eric can you do a video of how to replace a streering rack ?

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??

Hello eric i have a problem with a 2000 expedition that i hit a curved hard it messed up my rim which i replaced, but now whenever i move forward the passenger side top side tilts in and also when i turn the steering wheel to the passenger side it doesnt turn as much as when i turn to the drivers side. Can you please help me out. Thank you

My cast iron hub bent on my RS turbo when i hit a pothole, made the camber of the n/s front wheel crazy!! Wheel was hitting my shock!

Eric, I had clicking sounds when turning and got both CV axles replaced. After the passenger side was replaced I now get vibration 65-75mph only. I looked under my moms car and the axles are stiff, when my passenger side axle has no dampener anymore, and has about 3/8" play from tire to transmission. Do I need a longer CV axle, or do I need a damper, or both? (Hard to find for a 94 Tercel, but I need my speed). Perhaps at some point you can post a basic inspection video on what to do when changing the oil etc. Thanks!

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

Had. A question for u just got a lift on my truck and one of my tires has negative

Another helpful video, Eric. Gee, I thought when you put the rack in place you would leave the steering wheel straight, and then adjust the nuts on the rack to compensate. But I guess the guys at the alignment shop can do that more accurately. Given how far out it is, do you think something in the frame is bent?

ETCG membership is the best thing i've ever bought.

I removed my right front shock and spring absorber because they were bent ...I replaced them with new ones and is still experiencing the same bent problem....what do I do.??...thanks in advance

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!!

@johnalkh6185

5 жыл бұрын

I crashed lol i know now

@bougiefiji9056

5 жыл бұрын

I just crashed today.

@azaelgarza1871

4 жыл бұрын

I didnt go east on the corner

@jmoney1058

4 жыл бұрын

Happened to me last week 😪

@dannyr333

4 жыл бұрын

This happened to me yesterday I'm delivery driver hit brakes skidded all the way into 90 degree angle curb strste up and down.. Jack up my right front tire... kicker is I drove bad boy to the mechanic shop my guy works at 20 miles away with alignment way off and wheel running against wheel well... super dangerous but needed to save that tow cost up to 100 bucks I feel like this job may be expensive... im.about to start the video... i know there will be heating up the rim to hammer it back to shape but u guys are speaking of the tie rod the bar connects the thing to other thing I'm not good with these terms bascially front suspension got severely damaged... tie rod, knuckle, cv joint, strut these are terms of front suspension as well as basically all connect to each other ok I shut up I'm just rambling i wanna see video eric is good I like his vids

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

I also noticed they was no sway bar? is it a pre salvaged car? because I have a sun fire having some problems, just curious. Thanks for the video, much thanks!!!!!

He said it the accident happened in inclement weather. And while winter/snow tires and "rain" tires may have similar tread patterns to maintain traction, they have different rubber compounds so that the winter tires remain soft and pliable in colder weather, like an all-season does in warmer weather.

10 years old and still helping people. Thanks

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

Great video. One tough problem to diagnose ..

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

Can you do a video on a back tire that is press against the wheel case

Eric i have a question, with the steering wheel, i ask why you did not turn it straight when doing the rack? you adjusted the one in power steering rack replacement video. i would assume that if you have the tires in a close to straight as possible by eye, you could have put the steering wheel straight when you changed the rack? could you please explain to me why you did not do this, it would seem im missing information. thank you.

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

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??

Hey Eric, so where was the actual damage? Did you replace the tie rod ends with the rack? You can easily and quickly (and for free!) check/adjust front-end toe-in in your shop by stretching two kite strings along each side of the car at axle height, and measuring the distance from the string to the front and rear sides of the front tires. Accurate to within 1/16"! It would be instructive to do the alignment check before and after rack replacement, so you're not just "throwing parts at the car".

You are great man Eric:) nice video again

Can i get some opinion? Crv 2005, after i replace a broken wishbone suspension..the alignment was too off that i turned the knot on the rod at its maximum(in towarda the engine) my worry is that the main chasis bent...can i buy shorter tire rod instead?

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

@ciise8342

3 жыл бұрын

hey im in the same situation but the rear left wheel. how much did it cost you to fix?

@numbbane

3 жыл бұрын

@@ciise8342 600$

Similar situation with my 97 Saturn this winter. Slid into a curb going pretty fast, bent the entire steering knuckle and the strut. That was not a fun moment.

Great Video Eric, thanks!!

Yea, Sometimes after some miles other problems show up. But all you can do is check everything you can ,the best of your ability.

The meaning of the word "Totaled" refers to the coast of fix the car out weighing the total value of the car. So if you have a car that's worth $3,000.00 and it costs $3,500.00 to fix it, that car would be considered a total loss to a Insurance Company.

@gabeo9474

Ай бұрын

False. It's when the cost of the repair exceeds a certain percentage of the estimated value of the car. The percentage depends on what state you are in. For example, if the car is valued at $10,000, and the salvage threshold is 70%, then an estimated repair cost over $7000 will result in the car being considered a total loss (AKA "totalled").

Can you help me out. I recently had a similar accident and I've been having uneven wear on my tires and what feels like play in my steering on the side I hit. I'm getting cupping and the outside of the tires are wearing quicker than the inside. I've replaced my lower control arms and just recently upper ball joints. Now I'm having a tin of vibration and play in the wheel from it going side to side

I know the video is 8 years old, but what should I look at replacing if all my atf poured out of tranny? Looked like It came out near front but hard to tell. No obvious cracks

I bought a car and got it towed home and I don’t know if when they towed it if he bent a tie rod or messed up my control arm but with my steering wheel straight my tires are facing opposite directions any suggestions? It’s a Mini Cooper and the tie rods are made bent not straight like most I’ve replaced

Was the wheel still making contact with the tie rod end after you replaced the steering rack?

What was the total costs of the parts to fix this and what would the estimated labor cost be?

Eric. I just bought a 99 saturn and i noticed that its pulling to the right a good bit. After driving it. The front right wheel is pushed back further than the drivers side wheel. I cant tell. But it looked as if the sway bar was bent. On the passenger side. And the tire rub is on that side. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

@dav3fk

7 жыл бұрын

Bought an '00 match yet?

so what happens if the subframe is damaged (where the control arm meets). just out of curiousity. is it something that can be replaced? im thinking no. but i have no clue. when i put my car up on a lift i notice my passenger tire hangs lower than the driver tire (suspect that when i hit a huge crater/pothole cold have caused this damage). and if this is the damage, would that cause the car to shake/vibrate between 55-75 mph? (all new tires/wheels/alignment/balance)

A similar accident just happened to our jeep. Today there was an ice storm, and my father slid his jeep up onto a guide rail termination, where it goes into the ground for an anchor. so far, the tie rod, and drivers side tie rod end are damaged, and will be replaced. Hopefully the steering knuckle aren't damaged. But how would you check this?

Perfect video mate !

I'd be interested to see if the individual who labeled it as "totaled" was from the insurance company or a private collision repair..If the quote was given from a collision repair center located inside a dealership, it's very easy that the parts alone would have cost more than the KBB value.

Yeah even going str8 his tired hits something it’s for sure some off. My wheel pushed back a little bit only scrubs a little on left turns

Questions can a rack and pinion make it jump like swerve in high speed. Cuz I can't go over 30 mp

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

hi i just changed tie rods and axle now car is rubbings in the back inside of fender. then i heard you mention a collision is like a box of chocolates, now im guessing its more than the shock absorber cla250 2014

I have aluminum wheels on my Honda Pilot and I think it was turned away and then the wheel hit something and bent something in there the axle or perhaps The hub but maybe there's something else and you can tell me because I don't think aluminum bins just cracks or breaks

from my dirt track experience i can tell you cast iron will bend the arm that attaches to the tie rod is the most common but i have seen the whole thing bend as well funny things can happen in high speed collisions dont rule out anything being bent

Hi Erik, Last year I hit the U turn side stable road very hard to prevent accident, my sport rim dented , upper arm broken bushing, wheel bearing got sound and my rotor hub slightly dent. So only rotor hub I didn't replace because I cannot find one, so what happen it my rotor disc easily wrap every 3 months

plus I could see underneath the wheel well that there were some leaks, which I believe to be oil. So that will also have to be addressed!

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....😶

Hey Eric if you could buy any 1/2" Air Impact regardless of price, which one would you buy?

What would cause a "torque" steer but you car dont pull in any direction? Like just the steering wheel moves? Under about 1/3 throttle my car does this. And yes I did have an alignment done thinging that was issue. All tie rods inner and outer were replaced. No play in control arms or ball joints

I remember when a few years ago a lady hit my van at 25mph in the right side . A body shop told her it bent the frame and was totaled . Her insurance sent it to her body shop for a second option and they said it could be fixed . Since it was a company van the said fix it. 2 week later I picked it up and the steering wheel was 30 degrees off. They said it was ok to drive that way . We took it to NY inspection and it failed do to that problem. It ended up total .

The steering wheel after an alignment can always be removed and reset in the proper position. Had the same problem in my Santa Fe and after an alignment was done, my professional adjusted the steering wheel and now its fixed. I let him do it due to the airbag and my safety.

The subframe can be replaced if you can find a used replacement. It's a big job, but can be done.

I have a lil problem everytime I press the gas on my 98 accord it feels like the driver side tire has a bump and I rotate the tires and check them and nothing there what could it be thx.

i have a question for you, this video is for a front wheel drive, what if i hit a curb with my front wheel like he did, but i have a rear wheel drive, how do i check if the tire is wablely (i think thats you spell that lol) would the damage be the same? i feel like it would be

Agreed. On a car like this I would not go through the trouble of replacing all that!

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.

@moynaghsilver-woods7212

5 жыл бұрын

Kristina Pike how did you get on?

pretty brave turning the wheels when the car is jacked up

Reecently had ball joints replaced drove frway n the frnt end was shaking like crazy. Now it looks like the frnt tires r slanted slightly inward and when turning the steering while drivin i hear a loud thunk. Any thoughts?

Thank you. Some guy illegally pass me on the right side whole I was turning right he hit my tire. I had just put all new front suspension. I was out of town just bearly got home and I could tell it was off as far as a different feel to my steering. I have brand new tire too and n ffd up my rims. So thank you so much. Makes a lot of sense

Thanks for the video Eric, this helps a lot. BTW @ 10:03 just say "toe in" or "toe out"

Hi Eric am about to change front wheel bearing on my toyota avensis wish me a good luck

I hit a curb during a heavy fog back in mid Dec. Terrible noise, but the car seemed to drive ok. I thought the car was ok. Kept noticing a slight noise coming from the front. I took the car to a mechanic and he said that I had damaged the wheel and it would need replacing. I took the car to an alignment shop and it could not be aligned. The Mechanic said most of the noise was coming from the differential. He checked the differential and metal shaving were in it, so it was replaced. Would hitting that curb of also damaged the differential??

@borismihov9523

7 жыл бұрын

yes it can IF you hit the curb with the wheel attached to the differential FWD car hits curb with front tires

I got the tracking and stuff done on my car and the steering wheel was a tiny bit off centre and it pissed me off so I took it off and realigned it that was my point.

Eric, can you please give me your opinion on a reliable impact wrench/compressor model to purchase? Thank you for your time (if you have any).

Hay Eric I have a 1992 ford e350 extra long package and it will not start I hear the fuel pump in gage but it will fire one to two cylinders then do nothing I flushed out the fuel system today and still nothing but the same thing there are no codes showing up please help I need this to run by next week?????????...

well that an wonderful tale for your family in the future.

I have a '99 Accord V6. I had the same kind of crash - low speed (20 mph) skidding into the curb with the wheels turned left. For me it was the steering knuckle itself. Of course I didn't fix it right away, so I ruined RF and LR tires. I had it assessed by 3 shops. Then I bought a used knuckle from breakers yard for $70 with 70k miles on it. Had a shop put it on for me, did an alignment and then rechecked it 3 times. It's fixed! And the rims are OK. But I had to buy new tires :D

My is just like that man but it rear tire,it doesn't move circle...

so I can do this with my "11 impala and it wont got riding off the jack, right???

My 1998 Acura Integra go into a curb accident now my wheels and suspension is fucked and I doubt anyone knows what’s up

Mine makes a squeaking noise when I drive after I hit a curb any ideas ?

The lower swing arm (can't remember the term in english right now) and the steering tie (last one definitely) are bent. The easiest way to see if the lower swing arm is bent...put the car on a flat surface (not jacked up), get on your knees and compare it to the other side using your eye. I know it's not a pro way to do it but...definitely a fast way to tell. By the way the steering wheel turn looks (i crashed a car in a smilar way); you should also check the left lower swing arm (might be bent)

Got a bit of a problem eric. I always trust ur videos and ur honest feedback with everything u do with the cars you fix. I hit a pole the other night in a parking lot, literally paid my car off recently. Just my luck right, SMH Complete accident, something I thought never would happen, but it did. And I'm in Georgia can't get anyone to help, I'm a other of two and this is my only transportation. Pretty much stranded right now 😩 and well, I drove the car the other night I had to , i was being real slow and luckily it didn't mess with anything except crushed in my fender, and now my front tire is pushing against it. Do u ever give any advice ? Unfortunately can't get any help around my area, all shops are booked. And worried insurance company is trying to write it up as totaled even though it seems It could be a simple fix. Plz help. Just need some free advice Mr Eric,

@isavier

Жыл бұрын

In the same situation now what did you end up doing

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

As a general compliment Eric; one of the reasons your stuff is so valuable to me and other shade tree amateurs is because you have not loaded up your shop with expensive equipment that we could never 'relate to' in our carports. You have what you need to get by within the scope or your practice, right? You are able to make things work in your shop for you and for your clientele. You buy what you need mainly, you nurse along what you can, and you get things done. This is what we do as well.

Did the steering wheel ever straighten out?

Doesn't that contact come from the suspension hanging down ? The arm would have a bit more space when the car is resting on the wheel.

Easiest part to bend= strut, tie rod end, knuckle, control arm. Also always change the wheel bearing which will fail in the future.