Hey guys,

Well a while ago some guy drove into my right front wheel area and they had to replace some suspension stuff, ended up costing about $3500 bucks so I figured it wasnt that serious. They installed all the suspension stuff, new body panels and headlight, painted it all so it looks brand new again. Took it in today for an alignment and they said they couldnt get it back to spec, they said there could be possible engine cradle damage.

If they need to replace this engine cradle is that serious?

The engine cradle is not part of the frame of the car is it?

Appreciate all the input guys, thanks!


Here are some pics of the accident, lemme know what you guys think.

 

It doesn't look anything too serious. Go to a different dealer and see what they say.

 

The car has two sub frames. A front sub frame and a rear sub frame. Both are suspension mounting points for each end of the car.

So it sounds like your front sub frame moved during the impact. You can (on the alignment machine) move the sub frame justs a bit. Mine has been moved twice to get the car aligned. I have never hit anything, so your car may require the sub frame get replaced, I don't know. Could be.

 

If it does have to be replaced, I suggest that you speak with your insurance company. Since it was the other persons fault his insurance company is still responsible for any additional damage due to the accident. The reason I suggest you speak with your insurance comany is; the other company may try to say that this problem was not caused in the accident, so it is better to let the two insurance companies work things out, or at the very least let yours assist you in the discussions. Additionally with the added costs of possibly having to replace the engine cradle they may call it a total. At that point it is a completely new game with a diffeant set of rules, so having your insurance company involved is a must. For example there are depreciative costs that need to be considered along with the costs any mods you may have done to the car. Just my 2cents.

 

Hmm well Ill wait to see what the final diagnosis is. Seriously JimmyB, this could be a total? Man it doesnt even look that bad! Damages were only about $3500 before this engine cradle thing.

 

Yea Clayton that is usually the case. It sucks, but just hang in there. I would suggest to look for a company that just does alignments and see what they say. Sometimes the dealers don't want look outside the box. Good luck and let us know the out come.