Damaged Steering in Snow.....Help please!

[mini670]

This afternoon I slammed my offside wheel into a grit bin (it was full too, which is quite ironic), whilst it was on full lock.

Now the steering is out big style, when the near side wheel is straight the offside wheel is pointing out a good few degrees.

Anyone know off hand what this maybe please? I aint got time to look tonight, and would like an idea what im up against when I come to look at it tomorrow.

Any help appriciated,

cheers

 

[m0rk]

Probably worth replacing...

Suspension strut
Hub Carrier
Wishbone
Track rod end
Track Rod

Unless you're very lucky.

 

[mini670]

Thanks mate,

That sounds expensive. Would golf components fit?

Would I be able to see that all those parts are knackered, or would some look ok, but still need replacing?

 

[m0rk]

Some golf bits might fit.... but you're first assumption is correct

Some bits will look ok - but may have sustained a stress impact & might break later

 

[mini670]

the impact was really slow, 15mph max.

i suppose it it was like 40-50mph it would have knocked the lot off?

 

[Dave_R]

Might be luck enough to get away with just a wishbone and ball joint but you will need to get under the car for a look.

 

[mini670]

yea ill try to get it home tomorrow and have a gander at the components

 

[mini670]

It seems the track rod has taken most of the impact as its rather bent now.

Does anyone know if it will require a new rack, or does the track rod seperate easily from the main body of the rack?

Cheers

 

[mini670]

anyone please?

 

[m0rk]

Track rod separates easily from the rack... I'd still do the wishbone (and ball joint) though

 

[CraigW]

Track rod separates easily from the rack... I'd still do the wishbone (and ball joint) though

Yep I agree, considering you can get the wishbones relatively cheap with the bushes and ball joints already fitted.

 

[twig]

I did a similar trick last year with a tree and managed to get away with just the track rod & track rod end. Mine was a lot straighter than yours, mind.

 

[cupraspark]

Hi mate you will need a new steering rack - track rod end, i would change the wishbone even if it does not look damaged as it probably is, it might even have a hair line crack. Its not worth the risk mate.
Its a not a hard job to replace everything, if you are unsure take it to a garage £300 £400 if you are lucky.
Oh and do not forget to use new bolts for your wishbone, as a mate of mine did not and one bolt sheard when he was driving down the road (ford street kakakaka) hope this helps Marc

 

[mini670]

Thanks for the replies guys, Ive ordered the bits today, should be here tomorrow. Ill let you know how I get on.

ta

 

[M1KEH]

Track rod separates easily from the rack... I'd still do the wishbone (and ball joint) though

Haynes book of lies says it's hard?

 

[m0rk]

lol. I don't even look at Haynes manuals any more such is their accuracy.

rack boot off & have a look (though I think it will piss fluid all over you if it's a power rack)

 

[M1KEH]

lol, i don't need to replace my rods so am not gonna cover myself in fluid just for fun, I just saw the book of lies said it was a specialist job for a dealer.