Someone backed into my car while trying to get out of a parallel parking configuration. They hit my front bumper and front passenger side fender between the wheel well and the head light. The steering wheel was turned to the right so the right wheel was protruding out and the tire was hit as well. The alignment is now way off. I have to turn the steering wheel approx 35

 

yes...I suggest you not drive the car until fixed.....who knows what else is broken...what if you lose control of the car while driving....


Peace
David

 

Take it to a good alignment shop right away. Even if you don't have suspension damage, you will probably trash your tires in a hurry if you drive with the alignment out of whack.

Two alignment parameters can be used to check for bent parts:

1) Steering Axis Inclination (SAI) is the measurement in degrees of the steering pivot line when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Most alignment machines have a way to measure SAI; however it is not separately adjustable. The most likely cause for SAI being out is bent parts which must be replaced to correct the condition.

2) Included angle is the angle formed between the SAI and the camber. Included angle is not directly measurable. To determine the included angle, you add the SAI to the camber. If the camber is negative, then the included angle will be less than the SAI, if the camber is positive, it will be greater. The included angle must be the same from side to side even if the camber is different. If it is not the same, then something is bent, most likely the steering knuckle.

(This text is a direct cut and paste from "Wheel Alignment A Short Course" at http://www.familycar.com/alignment.htm)

Best of luck................

 

[QUOTE=vtec9,Mar 27 2006, 06:43 AM]Should I not

 

Ya definitely try to keep that car off the road until you get it inspected.

 

well I had to drive the car.. I was stuck and had to get home so I could pick up another car and drive to work this morning.. so unless I wanted to wait who knows how long for a cab (don't live in the city) or a tow truck, I would have been stranded.

thanks for the replies.

 

At 90 mph?




x2

 

road was straight and clear.. not like the wheel was going to fall off.

 

not yet..

 

should I take it to a body shop, mechanic or alignment shop first?