Jackassery, hit curb in FRS bent control arm
 

So, I have this friend.

I have only driven 4X4's and trucks, this FR-S is my first car. Was drifting and getting some confidence. All that was shattered when I smacked the snot out of the curb with the front drivers side wheel and tire and bent the lower control arm good. Yes, yes, I'm a newb and this will be an expensive learning lesson.

Replaced the control arm and everything looked straight, other than the need for an alignment. During the test drive when turning the steering wheel driver, from straight you could feel some resistance. The steering wheel would also look like its having a seizure if you stopped while the tires were straight. I pulled everthing off and looked for anything bent in with the steering but didn't see anything noticeable with the naked eye.

What would be bent? is it that bar going from the tie-rod to the power steering? Or is my whole rack-pinon toast?

Yes, I'm an idiot. I'm learning. Shit happens. Flame away.

Cheers, Angelo

You probably tweaked the Steering Rack. Is there excess resistance steering only to left?

Yes, only when going left. The steering wheel was also fully right when I hit the curb.

Angelo

Did you try to fix it yourself? Did the exact same thing but to the rear, so don't feel too bad. Except I took it to the dealership and paid the deductible. Ended up being about $4500 in the end, but it got fixed like new.

Your rack is jacked Jack. Replace it and hope none of the electronics are damaged.

Well, Doughboy ..... that may be an expensive lesson for you ..... :(

In addition to the LCA being bent, as mentioned, the steering rack could be whacked out. Also, the strut may be damaged. The wheel may be bent. The wheel bearings may be damaged.

I suggest you take it to a good front end shop and have it fixed proper....http://www.runemasterstudios.com/gra...images/yes.gif


humfrz

I replaced the LCA myself. Took it for a test drive afterwards and the steering felt horrid. It's going to the dealership tomorrow.

That's what it's looking like. Thanks Ozzman.

Expensive lesson for sure.

Inspected the strut and it looked undamaged, wheel bearings felt fine. I have already replaced the wheel and tire.

It's going to the stealership tomorrow.

Thanks,
Angelo

So did you or did you not get an alignment?

Here's a picture of the new control arm next to the bent one and a picture of my FRS.

Shit happens. Sometimes it's expensive at times. At least you're okay and the car can be repaired. Keep us posted on your car's return to full health. Cheers.

I went to the alignment shop, but they couldn't do it because they didn't have the FR-S or BRZ in their database. So, no I didn't get it aligned.

In that case get it aligned first. Alignment can make it feel really bad if it's bad enough.

sorry to hear that. everyone does once in a while and bad luck happens.
yeah like others said get alignment first. get manual spec of alignment for FRS/BRZ and shop may be able to get alignment manually

Nice wheels......:thumbsup:


humfrz