Lower Control Arm Replacement and more.

[BrianH]

Well, I really messed up the car this time. Driving home on icy roads and the car slammed into a curb on a 90 degree turn. Snapped and bent a lot of the front suspension on my driver-side. We got the car home and I've decided to do a lot of the repair myself. The lower control arm is twisted, the steering tie rod is bent, the tire itself is pretty damaged, and there's a plastic rod that connects to the stabilization bar somehow that's snapped. I still have to figure out what the plastic rod is, but the damage doesn't look too bad that I can't handle.

I'll be turning this thread into a nice DIY for replacing the lower control arm and more. Here's a couple pics of the damage:

Stay tuned for more ...

 

[slitzell]

Sonic + snow = out of control



Should be a interesting thread by the end

 

[rdss]

Sorry to hear!

That plastic rod is your end link for your roll bar.

 

[BrianH]

Sorry to hear!

That plastic rod is your end link for your roll bar.

We have plastic end links? ... I'm assuming you're referring to part #5 in this diagram? GMPartsDirect.com - Front Stabilization Bar and Components There's only parts of the actual link left and didn't get a good view of it last night.

 

[rdss]

Yes, plastic holding the suspension to the sway bar...lol If there was any stress (and it sounds like there was) it makes sense that it blew up in the cold.

 

[Eric Smit]

Haha plastic end links. still love it.

Sucks Brian, but looks like it'll be fun to fix. haha.


-Eric Smit

 

[nocoolnames]

Sorry that happened and thanks for turning it into a learning experience for the rest of us.

 

[BrianH]

I'll be heading out tomorrow to work on disassembling the control arm, steering tie rod, and what remains of my end link. Once I'm sure of all the parts I'll need, I'll get them ordered ASAP and hopefully have everything put back together soon. The only downside is that I won't be able to do an alignment afterwards, so I'll have to have a local shop do it. I'm looking at replacing all the wheels anyways, so I'll need them to mount my tires as well. I'll be sure to post pics and notes from the process, so check OP for updates.

 

[$ub$onic]

Wow that damage looks similar to what my ranger had after a off roading accident

 

[BrianH]

Well, it looks like it's going back to the dealership for repair. Theres a lot more damage to the body than I originally noticed, and the frame might be slightly twisted too. When the tire was pushed back during the accident, it slammed the wheel well and jarred a lot of frame. *sigh* ... I'll just be forking over my deductible instead of fixing it myself, which means no DIY. Sorry guys

 

[Eric Smit]

lame. ;P


-Eric Smit

 

[wingman]

Damaged frame = salvage title = BIG

 

[$ub$onic]

Ouch

 

[BrianH]

Damaged frame = salvage title = BIG

Not necessarily. As I understand, the car must be totalled and the insurance company must request for a salvaged title.

 

[nocoolnames]

Florida is 70% damage before Its totaled and given a salvage title. This could pop up on car fax if the shop reports it but that's about it. Sucks it was damaged that much but it should be good as new when ya get it back.

 

[$ub$onic]

My Lincoln got totaled I ended up fixing it my self. Nothing like a 8 ton jack and 12 hours to fix a dent

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Well, it looks like it's going back to the dealership for repair. Theres a lot more damage to the body than I originally noticed, and the frame might be slightly twisted too. When the tire was pushed back during the accident, it slammed the wheel well and jarred a lot of frame. *sigh* ... I'll just be forking over my deductible instead of fixing it myself, which means no DIY. Sorry guys

Bummer about the accident. Glad it seems you're doing ok though. Keep us updated about what happens during the car repairs. I hope all is well considering.

Matt,

GM Customer Assistance

 

[BrianH]

Thanks Matt. Got the estimate yesterday, $4k in damages. They're also going to be putting winter treads on the front tires, which should help considering how much snow we're getting now. Should have it back around mid-January.

 

[Eric Smit]

that's not too bad. sounds good.


-Eric Smit

 

[BrianH]

Just another update about the car. Still waiting for it to be finished. Called three times this week because I was told it was going to be ready after a quick ABS sensor install, then it turned into a wheel bearing needed installed, and now something is wrong with the steering rack, which I'm told will take another week just to get the parts. :/ ... I guess they were trying to do the alignment and were having problems with the steering, and when they took it for a test ride it would hang up somewhere.