I drove into a massive pothole at around 40 mph. (along 10th Street in Downtown Atlanta, next to Tech-as a warning to those in the area). I was forced to the side by a $%*#@* truck that couldn't maintain its lane. I, of course, blew my front passenger tire. fortunately, there was no damage to the rim (17' stock), no scratches or signs that it was bent. However, I'm more concerned with suspension damage. It's now riding on its little doughnut and the steering wheel is cranked an inch or so to the right. As a result, the car pulls pretty significantly to the right. When I take it to get checked out, what should I be looking for (& tell the shop guys to look for) in assessing damage? Thx for the help.

 

Probily got knocked out of alignment. Doughnut don't help either.

 

Get a new tire on first. Then see how it drives. If the car goes str8 and doesn't pull, consider yourself lucky. If it does pull or the wheel isn't centered, go get an alignment.

 

 

Also put the spare on the back and get the same size tires up front. It is not good to have diff size tires on a differential, it prematurely wears it out.

Check for the usual caster,camber,toe, make sure all is within spec.

Look at the top of the strut tower and look for movement in the bolts (see if they slid or enlarged the bolt hole).

Mark

 

Thanks for all the replies. I changed the tire this weekend and got the car aligned. It doesn't pull to the right anymore, but the steering wheel is still cranked 1' or so to the right and it's driving me crazy. What do I need to do to get it back on center? Thx.

-J