ejj

iTrader: (5)

So, as some of you know, I was in an accident yesterday. I was hit right on the drivers side front wheel. Upon taking off the wheel we found that the tie-rod was bent and a few other minor things.

My concern is the axel. It looks to be okay, but its hard to tell without driving the car. If you look at the following picture:

http://www.rit.edu/~ejj5875/maxima/i...2/IMAGE072.JPG

There are 2 rubber boots, on the left and near the CV joint on the right. Both are starting to rip. Can this be considered normal wear, or is that a sign that the Axel was put under stress in the accident and may be damaged.

What is the rubber seal on the left anyways? I couldn't find a good picture of it last night in my haynes manual.

Also, here are some other pics of the wheel/drivetrain/suspension incase they may help:

http://www.rit.edu/~ejj5875/maxima/i...2/IMAGE054.JPG
http://www.rit.edu/~ejj5875/maxima/i...2/IMAGE055.JPG
http://www.rit.edu/~ejj5875/maxima/i...2/IMAGE071.JPG
http://www.rit.edu/~ejj5875/maxima/i...2/IMAGE075.JPG

Jeff92se

iTrader: (82)

Well, it's probably normal wear but the accident could have put the cv at such an angle to damage it. If you can get your insurance to pay for it, do it. Also check the other side to see if they are ripped also. Actually put your hand on the cv ribs and see if the are cracking.

It also looks like your lower control arm is bent. Take the car to an good alignment shop and have them check the unibody for damage.

ejj

iTrader: (5)

Well, next time I see the car I will. Where do you see the control arm bent? I don't see it in the pictures. Maybe I don't know what I'm looking for.

Talking to the shop, they have ordered the necessary suspension pieces. After they get the car drivable again its going to an alignment shop to be checked. At that point we will know for sure what has to be replaced.

Jeff92se

iTrader: (82)

Look here. Too me, the lower control arm looks either bent or dented. I could be wrong.

http://www.rit.edu/~ejj5875/maxima/i...2/IMAGE054.JPG

ejj

iTrader: (5)

Oh yeah. I guess I'll look at the other side next time I see the car. Thanks Jeff!

Daniel B. Martin

The two black rubber boots are the outer Constant Velocity Joint boot and the Dynamic Damper. It is unlikely that a crash damaged these boots.

That bent tie rod frightens me. There may be damage inside the rack and pinion steering gear. The rubber cushions which position the R&P may be torn. The control arm may be bent.

This situation calls for a careful and critical damage estimate, done by an expert. You don't want to accept an insurance settlement, have the car repaired, and then discover the steering "doesn't feel right".

ejj

iTrader: (5)

I agree. The place the car is at now is a wonderful body shop...like I mentioned in another post, my car was just about the cheepest there. They don't seem to skimp on anything.

However, the owner told me that they can't really diagnose these problems, so they are going to make the car drivable (tie rod and a few other small parts, clamps, etc.) and take it to the suspension/alignment shop that they normally deal with. After that they will re-assess the suspension/drivetrain situation.

This could get real costly real quick...maybe to the point of totaling the car?!? Who knows.

ejj

iTrader: (5)

Jeff -

Just so you know, you were right. I went back to the shop today and the control arm was indeed bent. The shop knew that and had already ordered one. It was in the backseat.

Thanks again for the pointer.