Collision to Right-Rear Wheel

[NWA_Dave]

My 2000 4Runner was recently run into by a Hyundai Sonata. My Runner was doing about 20MPH when the sonata ran into me in an intersection. My Runner was spun around 180 degrees from the impact.

Cosmetically, there's not much damage. However, something is now damaged in the rear which makes it pull to the left pretty hard. To drive in a straight line requires you to steer to the right (about 45 degrees). The Runner was aligned about a month before the accident, and it did drive straight as an arrow.

I've only driven the Runner about 6 miles since the accident (home, then to a body shop), and only up to about 35MPH. There doesn't seem to be any wobble, so I don't think the rim is bent.

When driving in a paved parking lot, you can hear the rear tires are being pushed to the left.

When I took it to the body shop, the guy said it needs a 4-wheel alignment. That didn't sound right to me, since I have read in multiple places that this year of 4Runner dosn't have the ability to have a 4-wheel alignment done, only the front is adjustable. I thought maybe the axle, frame, or suspension is bent.

The shop gave me an estimate of $1,077.77, with $85 being for a 4-wheel alignment and the rest is for replacing the wheel flare, mud guard, etc and labor.

So, here's my question: Does the 4-wheel alignment fix sound right? Do any of you have experience with a similar situation?

 

[spartacus]

this so ironic cause I got hit on the passenger side rear wheel and I drove it home and there was no wobble but I it felt like something was rubbing. I had my mechanic buddy look at it. this was his diagnosis, the wheel bearing was damaged also the rear axle shaft was bent as well the lower control arm in the back had a slight bend also the rear sway bar link was bent at the bracket in the frame and the axle housing on the side of the impact had a tiny buldge. well cut to the chase the ladies insurance fought me for a while but I insisted on oem parts and a new oem axle housing which they in the end replaced at a cost of parts and labor of 8k. Also they paid for my rental car. Make sure you insist they use oem parts and make it right.

 

[NWA_Dave]

this so ironic cause I got hit on the passenger side rear wheel and I drove it home and there was no wobble but I it felt like something was rubbing. I had my mechanic buddy look at it. this was his diagnosis, the wheel bearing was damaged also the rear axle shaft was bent as well the lower control arm in the back had a slight bend also the rear sway bar link was bent at the bracket in the frame and the axle housing on the side of the impact had a tiny buldge. well cut to the chase the ladies insurance fought me for a while but I insisted on oem parts and a new oem axle housing which they in the end replaced at a cost of parts and labor of 8k. Also they paid for my rental car. Make sure you insist they use oem parts and make it right.

Sounds like my suspicions were correct...the guy at the body shop doesn't know what he's talking about...

 

[spartacus]

Sounds like my suspicions were correct...the guy at the body shop doesn't know what he's talking about...

it's the internals the bearings the seals the shafts, ring and pinion that you don't see until you open it up and look at it. A side impact that spun a 5200 pound truck 180 degrées is quiet a significant impact but if you get it checked out and they say that everything is okay then that would be quiet lucky.

 

[rkntoy]

4 wheel alignment isn't going to do anything for you.

Best case - wheel bearing
Next best - bent axle shaft
Next best - bent axle housing

Absolute worst - frame involvement

Take it to a good mechanic - not a body shop. Have the person's insurance that hit you pay for it. Hopefully the body shop you talked to was not one recommended by the insurance for the person that hit you.

 

[NWA_Dave]

Dealer Says...

I dropped it at the local dealer this morning, they just called and said it needs at least: a new bearing, new axle, new differential housing. It might need more, but they won't know until they get it apart. They called the insurance company who is sending an adjuster to look at it tomorrow.

 

[nissanh]

Try to find a replacement preferably an e-locker axle (your axle has a high chance of been bent) and get it's bearings (OEM only) and seals (OEM only) done. Also, replace all 5 control arms with OEM and thank the Hyundai driver for the locker!

 

[EndofAll]

How did the repairs go