Thoughts on issue after fender bender.

[406LOVE]

Hey team,

I got hit at the passenger front tire on my 98' T4R SR5 recently. Only visually apparent damage is the paint on the 5 stars is scratched up. Only visually apparent damage until I drove it again that is. Now the steering wheel has to be slightly to the left to keep it driving straight. It was definitely perfectly straight before the accident. Seems to be driving fine other than the steering wheel being off center.

Thoughts on what might be damaged?

Thanks

 

[97t4r81]

If nothing is bent or broke, try getting an alignment.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Ball joints and tie rods will be the first suspects. They may have bent in the accident. Make sure if the other driver is at fault you report the damage so it's covered by insurance.

Worst case scenario is the steering rack is damaged (along with tie rods and ball joints) and will need to be replaced. That would set you back around $700 in parts alone, not counting labor.

 

[JayRolla]

Hey team,

I got hit at the passenger front tire on my 98' T4R SR5 recently. Only visually apparent damage is the paint on the 5 stars is scratched up. Only visually apparent damage until I drove it again that is. Now the steering wheel has to be slightly to the left to keep it driving straight. It was definitely perfectly straight before the accident. Seems to be driving fine other than the steering wheel being off center.

Thoughts on what my be damaged?

Thanks

Bent tie rod end most likely causing the steering wheel to be off. You could also have caused the wheel bearing to fail, damaged rack and pinion, bent control arms upper and lower. Lift up, take tires off and compare parts side to side to find the ones that need replaced.

Or take it for alignment, they will let you know what needs to be done.

 

[Rock_Rat]

Hey team,

Only visually apparent damage is the paint on the 5 stars is scratched up. Only visually apparent damage until I drove it again that is. Now the steering wheel has to be slightly to the left to keep it driving straight.

Thoughts on what my be damaged?

Thanks

Probably something as simple as a bent tie rod. Don't panic.

 

[Konkordmusk]

I recommend getting an alignment check done. The specs will give you clues about what is bent. The mechanic, if competent and forewarned about the reason for your visit should be able to tell you what's wrong as well. Depending on how bad it is, they may be able to align it within spec and you won't notice a difference.

 

[dirteater4]

I recommend getting an alignment check done. The specs will give you clues about what is bent. The mechanic, if competent and forewarned about the reason for your visit should be able to tell you what's wrong as well. Depending on how bad it is, they may be able to align it within spec and you won't notice a difference.

I second/third/fourth the tie rods and alignment. Take it in for an alignment and they could tell you if the rods are bent. I had the same thing happen on an old 240sx of mine. They hit me hard enough to bend the LCA. Runners are tougher than that silly Nissan tho.

 

[406LOVE]

Thanks guys. Ill make an appt. for alignment and keep you posted!

 

[xspsi6]

something is bent for sure just a question of what exactly it is but a safe bet would be to change the inner and outer tie rod ends its an easy job even if they align it back to spec the components were stressed which will cause a failure in the future all they will do is compensate for the bent part and that is not the right way to fix it