I've got a problem...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 520
Likes: 2
From: Mandeville, LA / Clemson, SC
I've got a problem...
I was on my way home tonight and was pulling out of this parking lot, gave it to much gas and the back end slid out. I tried to correct but the road was wet and ened up overcompensating so...on the driver's side, I popped the curb. It bent my rim pretty good (suprisingly it is still holding air...we'll see tomorrow). But now the wheel is sitting tilted inward. Could it be that the camber adjustment got knocked out of line? The tire is sticking out a good quarter inch at the top. (they are the stock 285s). Also, when I drove it i had to keep the steering wheel at about 10 o'clock to keep the car straight. I am really worried i screwed up somthing bad.
I have not had a chance to jack the car up and look under it. Tomorow i'll get under there and see what is going on. I wanted to ask toinight to get an idea of what to look for.
My question is what could have broken? And what do i need to look for?
Thanks,
Jeff
I have not had a chance to jack the car up and look under it. Tomorow i'll get under there and see what is going on. I wanted to ask toinight to get an idea of what to look for.
My question is what could have broken? And what do i need to look for?
Thanks,
Jeff
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Sounds like you may have bent the spindle rod. Depending on how bad the hit was, it may have twisted the upper and/or lower control arms, split a bushing or bent the mounting brackets. This could be big $$$
Two words: ASR ON.
Two words: ASR ON.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 520
Likes: 2
From: Mandeville, LA / Clemson, SC
Well...I just got under it and the bolt that adjust the camber is definitely moved. I did some measuring. I put a level up to the rotor and measured the distance between the level and the rotor. On the good side it was around .354" and on the hit side it was around .571". So it was around a quarter of an inch. Can the camber be out that far or could it be that one of the links between the diff and the spindle is bent. There is no visual damage. I put a straight edge to that link and the two dog bones. None of them look bent but looks can be deceiving.
Since my alignment is so far out will I mess up anything by trying to match the alignment on the hit side to the un-hit side? I figure if I could roughly dial in the alignment it would be alright to drive. If I don't I have to keep the wheel at 10 o'clock to keep the car straight. If all else fails, I'm going to load it on my friend's trailer and haul it to a guy I know that does alignment.
Bottom line is that the alignment is way off and there could be a bent component so...tomorrow it’s off to the shop. Is there anything else I could check while it’s in the air?
Thanks for all of your support and suggestions. I'll keep you all posted.
Since my alignment is so far out will I mess up anything by trying to match the alignment on the hit side to the un-hit side? I figure if I could roughly dial in the alignment it would be alright to drive. If I don't I have to keep the wheel at 10 o'clock to keep the car straight. If all else fails, I'm going to load it on my friend's trailer and haul it to a guy I know that does alignment.
Bottom line is that the alignment is way off and there could be a bent component so...tomorrow it’s off to the shop. Is there anything else I could check while it’s in the air?
Thanks for all of your support and suggestions. I'll keep you all posted.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 520
Likes: 2
From: Mandeville, LA / Clemson, SC
I just got back from my friend's shop. Last night I roughed in the alignment with a level and a caliper and when I went in the alignment machine showed that the back was on the money. I could not believe it!! I guess I'm lucky. 
The toe was pretty off and I guess that is what was pulling to the right. Thanks again for you help.
The toe was pretty off and I guess that is what was pulling to the right. Thanks again for you help.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 723
Likes: 0
From: Nashville Tennessee
Originally Posted by c4cruiser
Sounds like you may have bent the spindle rod. Depending on how bad the hit was, it may have twisted the upper and/or lower control arms, split a bushing or bent the mounting brackets. This could be big $$$
Two words: ASR ON.
Two words: ASR ON.
But, I think it is kinda harsh to rub in how he could have avoided it. Good luck to you and hope the damage is minor
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by PSO3120
Two words ASR sucks. It takes all the fun out of the drive. Four words, Skip Barber Driving School. Could have had the 3 day class for less than the cost of a rear suspension and no more need for an electronic nanny.
But, I think it is kinda harsh to rub in how he could have avoided it. Good luck to you and hope the damage is minor
But, I think it is kinda harsh to rub in how he could have avoided it. Good luck to you and hope the damage is minor
ASr can be your friend or your enemy, it all depends on the situation, in this case ASR on would have been his friend.
Although with ASR on, some drivers get overconfident and drive beyond their means and the ASR won't always save you.
I did a power slide around a corner with ASR on and the ASR active light never came on nor did ASR ever kick in.
Last night I hit it hard off the line and spun the tires without ASR coming on.
I do agree that a driving school is a great idea.
But more important is driving correctly for the conditions at hand.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 723
Likes: 0
From: Nashville Tennessee
Originally Posted by Mr Mojo
ASr can be your friend or your enemy, it all depends on the situation, in this case ASR on would have been his friend.
Although with ASR on, some drivers get overconfident and drive beyond their means and the ASR won't always save you.
I did a power slide around a corner with ASR on and the ASR active light never came on nor did ASR ever kick in.
Last night I hit it hard off the line and spun the tires without ASR coming on.
I do agree that a driving school is a great idea.
But more important is driving correctly for the conditions at hand.
Although with ASR on, some drivers get overconfident and drive beyond their means and the ASR won't always save you.
I did a power slide around a corner with ASR on and the ASR active light never came on nor did ASR ever kick in.
Last night I hit it hard off the line and spun the tires without ASR coming on.
I do agree that a driving school is a great idea.
But more important is driving correctly for the conditions at hand.
I just worry about those who become dependent on it as it may not always be there. I also like a little slip at low speeds. It is what I like most about a powerful rear wheel drive car. It is all about controlling the application of that power that makes you a better driver. The ASR is a bit over agressive on my '92 anyway.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
The ASR on the '95-96 is much improved over the '92-94 for sure.