Things to Check After Front End Collision
 

Good morning,

About a week ago my 2013 sr5 was hit pretty hard on the drivers side of the front bumper while parked at night outside of my home. The hit was so hard that the truck was actually sent back about 3-4 feet onto the lawn. While I lucked out and it will fortunately be able to be repaired, what are some mechanical items to check once I get it back to make sure I’m not going to have any premature failure in the long run due to this accident?

Such as, possibly how to check that the Trans wasn’t damaged or anything else like that?

Thanks for any suggestions,

Steve


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For those curious, here was a pic of the damage attached. My truck was parked as tight to the curb as possible so you can see how far it actually moved

Attachment 344748


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Wow - that's a rough one.

I'd be very focused on finding a shop that is skilled at framework. I'd be looking for shops that have the best techs and best equipment - looking for laser guided measuring that can allow the tech to maximize his skills. Ask for a readout of the measurements - many well-equipped shops can give you the specs and readouts and match them against factory measurements.

If you have an estimate how much framework time was allotted? Usually it's at a separate labor rate line.

Make sure the welds are nice and clean. Look for gaps along bumper, lights, doors, etc. make sure they are consistent side to side.

Things to expect and be on the lookout for long-term - suspension and alignment, then electrical and mechanical (mounts and vibrations). Given your vehicle age and demographics, they'll likely be using used and/or aftermarket parts.

I'd also be finding the best alignment shop in the area that the body shop can send the truck over to after being repaired. Don't take it to a "toe and go" shop. If the body shop is that well-respected, you'll find that the shop uses the one you sourced in many cases. most cities generally have one "go-to" alignment shop for heavier hits.

Paint-wise, with the age of your vehicle, I'd ask that blending adjacent panels be done with proper R&I of anything (trim, handles, etc.). That will ensure the best color matching.

I'd also ask to inspect the vehicle inside under their lights. Most shops have lighting that shows defects (fisheyes, overspray). Natural light hides alot of sins.

I also see that you are in NY. NY is a diminished value state. I'd be pushing for that if it fits for this situation.

So it got pushed up over curbing (on the passenger side) and across the grass? There is going to be some driveline / suspension / axle alignment issues under there for sure. Presumably it's going through a Toyota Dealer for proper assessment? I would try to go that route rather than have the insurance company dictate which mom and pop shop must fix that.

Friend of mine works in a high end collision repair shop (equipment wise), he typically does major front end work like that to Porsche / Mercedes / Audi etc SUV's which end up into deep ditches every winter LoL.

They use thing kind of imaging device to ensure OEM specs are brought back into the fold: The Matrix Wand - How It Works

So - do your research I guess, good luck - hope all ends up well.

Alignment and frame integrity would be my concerns. If all checks out good than I'd keep it. Is your insurance covering repairs? If you paying cash and not involving insurance it might be worth considering painting the bumper without fading into to fenders and hood (saves you big $). G.L.

Glad to hear you were not involved. An extra injury these days can be a really bad thing!

In Cali so the insurance rules might be different - keep that in mind

Feel and listen to the car for vibrations, squeaks, and rattles.

I would be looking at bent suspension parts, cracked aluminum bits, and wire splices (or crappy repair).

There are shops that will use the bent part if it's "in spec". However, it's in the shop's best interest to get it right the first time. It is less work and cost to change it at the time, rather than have you bring it back then have to fight with the insurance company later. For them it's a few more bolts and a phone calls and they get paid too.

Aluminum doesn't like to bend cleanly when it's cold. It can weaken the structure and crack. Check out the aluminum lines, mounts and radiators. Watch for leaks. Or better yet ask them to look a that stuff, again they get paid.

OEM or aftermarket part usage sometimes depends on the insurance company or policy. Some insurance companies (in Cali) will state if they will or will not use OEM new, aftermarket, or junkyard parts. Other than brand new OEM parts are often more work for the shop because of fit and finish so, they don't like to do it.

Junk parts are usually used on cars by the owner or at the owner's request, because the want to pocket the money. It's not good business for the shop to deal with cheap customers. Nothing but heart ache and pain there.

In the end it's up to the the shop and the insurance company to make sure it's right. If it's not right, bring it back again and again - Complain to your insurance company if you need to and they will talk with the shop.