How robust is the front suspension-hit a curb

[Erich]

I nailed my front rim on a curb taking a nice chunk out of the rim. The sidewall was damaged but the tire did not lose air. Driving home, I noticed that although the car still felt fine, the steering wheel was not centered. I had the rim welded and refinished (came out nice). They said it was still true.
Does that sound like an alignment issue-or is there stuff on these cars that can be bent easily? My 97 front suspension was able to sustain some real abuse without even going out of alignment.
Erich

 

[lukem80]

could've bent the tie rod...... on that side or even bent the strut tube. get an alignment and they'll let you know.

I don't know how durable that electric gizmo steering rack is.. i guess we'll find out

 

[Erich]

The electric gizmo still feels fine. Tie rod or something else, I wonder.....
Erich

 

[ViciousJay]

my guess is alignment

 

[dro]

Jack the car up and take a look for yourself. :shrug:

 

[Erich]

I did not see anything obvious.
Erich

 

[Wiremap]

Aligment

 

[Erich]

We shall see. The structure of the suspension looks weaker than the big A arms on the SN95s. I need to let the finish set a few more days before I get the tires put on and the car aligned. I will update.
Erich

 

[Erich]

Ok. Got the car back. They were nearly able to align it. The individual wheel values are in spec but the difference in camber between the wheels is 1 degree out. They believe a strut may be bent.
How much should that matter?
I think I feel it not as "sure" in cornering or tracking. Nothing overt.
Thinking about getting that strut replaced now.

Erich

 

[Bud]

sounds like you now have an excuse to upgrade

 

[Erich]

sounds like you now have an excuse to upgrade

That thought has crossed my mind. I wonder how the FRRP adjustable struts/shocks would do on my otherwise stock car.
Erich

 

[Ill_W1N]

How do u hit a curb that hard? I stay away from curbs, i dont care if my car is out halfway in the street

 

[Erich]

It was pretty hard during an evasive maneuver. Maybe 20 mph.
Erich