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Nov 20, 2005 | 12:14 PM

C52000C5

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 494

Likes: 0

From: New Bedford MA

Ouch!!

The other day while I was driving on the highway, I came across some road construction. There I was, driving along around 65-70 when i nail about a 3 inch plate

in the road with my left front wheel. I swear the car jumped 6 inches off the ground. Now it is obviously off alignment and the front driver side seems to pulsate very minorly. Does anyone know what this pulsating could be? I can really feel it at around 35 and again past 75 mph, not really in between.
Thanks

Nov 20, 2005 | 12:40 PM

turboc5

Pro

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 743

Likes: 1

From: Bartlett IL

Bent wheel/wheels and/or broken belts in the tire/tires. Also if the steering wheel is now off center (and it was straight before) you most likely bent some suspension peices. If the car just pulls left or right it MAY be the tires if you broke some belts in them on the impact. I would reccomend throwing it on a alignment rack. It will tell you how far it is out and if its able to come into spec. If you can take a picture of the plate and the road construction. maby the construction company could be held liable. If you blew a tire because of the plate and hit a construction worker, now whoose liable. I say the construction company. Good luck with the repairs.

Nov 20, 2005 | 03:36 PM

edensknight

Race Director

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 11,308

Likes: 1

From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California

There is no doubt that you may very well now have a tire that has internally separated cords due to the horrendous impact you experienced. Any out of round tire, OR, actual tire separation is conducive to a more "wobbily" rotation at certain speeds. Although, you may, or, may not have a bent wheel, the incident you have just described was quite serious. And, it sounds more like you may have now damaged the front wheel bearing assembly unit (Timkins part # 512513, and, approx. $155.00 at a local Auto Zone). Therefore, do have the vehicles' front end suspension completely inspected for any damaged shocks, both outer, AND, inner tie rod ends, steering rack, and, mounting points. Obviously, due to such severe impact and even "flight", your alignment will be off. Therefore, have the vehicle re-aligned, as well. Best of luck to you.

Nov 21, 2005 | 01:59 AM

Bill Curlee

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 32,910

Likes: 2,402

From: Anthony TX

CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet

St. Jude Donor '08

File a claim with the Stare!!!! Give the EXACT location, date, and circumstances that caused the damage. If they caused it,,,thet should pay for it!!

BC

Nov 21, 2005 | 02:08 AM

2MuchRiceMakesMeSick

Drifting

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 1,642

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Probably a bent wheel.
That sucks to hear.
Hopefully youll get it straightened out

Nov 21, 2005 | 11:54 AM

C52000C5

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 494

Likes: 0

From: New Bedford MA

Put it in the air today. The wheel is obviously bent. I am going to order one today. Hopefuly that will do it.

Nov 21, 2005 | 03:13 PM

edensknight

Race Director

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 11,308

Likes: 1

From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California

Glad to hear that with inspection, you are narrowing the culprit down. Replacing a wheel bent from impact (very common) is a must. However, be sure to have your suspension (inner and outer tie rods, wheel bearing, etc.) inspected, and, alignment checked. More than likely, you may very well be out of alignment. Good luck to you.

Nov 21, 2005 | 06:49 PM

turboc5

Pro

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 743

Likes: 1

From: Bartlett IL

I see this a lot at my delership ware somewone hit somthing and now it "needs a alignment" Sorry to say but unless the esentric bolts were loose, they arn't going to change if you hit something. If the steering wheel is now off center, somthing is bent. Maby not severly but bent none the less. Also remember if you replace a front tire(unless their both brand new) you have to replace them both. The new one will be slightly taller (due to tire ware) causing it to pull in the oppisit way of the side with the new tire. Ex. new rf tire=pulls left.