Hit a curb going kinda fast, grinding noise on full-left + off-center steering - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

300SD81 · #1 02-10-2007, 02:15 PM

The grinding sound was the tire hitting the spring. There dosne't seem to be any grinding with normal driving.

#2 02-10-2007, 02:20 PM

I can't tell from the photos either, but if the tire is hitting the spring something is way out of whack. I agree, an alignment shop should be able to tell you what's bent, then you can decide if you want to do it yourself.

#3 02-13-2007, 06:01 PM

For your own, and others safety, don't drive the car. Damaged steering and suspension components have a nasty habit of breaking when you need them most, and can lead to a accident. Why put innocent lives in danger?

300SD81 · #4 02-10-2007, 02:25 PM

I'm afraid of going to the shop because someone I knew had a bent suspension, and the shop he took it to told him that they couldn't let him drive out on it. I don't want to end up being forced to pay a shop to fix it.

Hatterasguy · #5 02-10-2007, 02:36 PM

Well you probably shouldn't be driving it! I wouldn't.

300SD81 · #6 02-10-2007, 02:40 PM

The car is the only one I have. Been driving on it for the last 2 weeks or so, and nothing looks like its going to break soon. I just mean that I don't want someone telling me I can't drive out of the shop after I take it there, since whatever it is, I'd prefer to do the repairs myself.

Hatterasguy · #7 02-10-2007, 02:47 PM

Why would they tell you, you can't take it? Its your car call the police.

Don't mess around with suspension, it could fail and hurt/kill you or someone else.

#8 02-13-2007, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300SD81

The car is the only one I have. Been driving on it for the last 2 weeks or so, and nothing looks like its going to break soon. I just mean that I don't want someone telling me I can't drive out of the shop after I take it there, since whatever it is, I'd prefer to do the repairs myself.

IMHO, it's irresponsible to drive this car, and if you are afraid that a shop will declare the car unsafe and not let you leave, then you know it's dangerous.

That damaged rim is also unsafe, it's only a matter of time before the rim fails.

300SD81 · #9 02-13-2007, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Holmes III

IMHO, it's irresponsible to drive this car, and if you are afraid that a shop will declare the car unsafe and not let you leave, then you know it's dangerous.

That damaged rim is also unsafe, it's only a matter of time before the rim fails.

I've already taken it to a shop. They said the rim was alright, and that the car is safe to drive until I can get it fixed.

Nate · #10 02-13-2007, 11:42 PM

Name and location of that shop?

That rim's bad, and the chunk out of the tire isnt good either.

Get it fixed dude, you damaged something, dont risk damaging more expensive things to save a few bucks...

Shop bill
I understand u dont have another car to drive, but how old are you? If your over 18, you could rent a car for a day (spendy though, $40 or so fully insured)... If not, borrow a car from someone, or have someone give u a ride for the day (fill their tank)

Just get it fixed... Plz dude, I dont want to see something bad happen

FYI I spent a strong $300 fixing the brakes on my truck, and I hardly drive the damn thing... Brakes dont mean anything if the wheel it's attached to isnt in your control.

~Nate

#11 02-14-2007, 12:18 AM

IMHO,

Plus, no responsible shop would allow a balance a tire with that kind of sidewall damage and say it was safe to drive on.

This is why shops should be able to declare cars unsafe, and make customers sign waivers if they choose to drive the car.

I really love the idea that someone is going to be driving next to this car at possible 70 plus mph freeway speeds when something lets go.

At least replace the rim and tire.

TheDon · #12 02-10-2007, 02:53 PM

The front suspension can be done at home... with minimal specialty tools.Only thing special is the spring compressor, pickle fork, ball joint puller, and a pickle fork... ok.. maybe not minimal.. but some

barry123400 · #13 02-10-2007, 03:33 PM

To prevent the shop from holding the car just go in beforehand and discuss the issue. All you really want to know at this point is what is bent and tell them you are going to repair it at home You just may have one distorted item for example. Also a delay involves wearing the tires irregularily if they are good. This does not have to be too sophisticated but try to find a knowledgeable person that has an alignment machine. He may not even have to hook it up to find the problem. The members here try to help. I for one would not try to guess exactly what is wrong. It looks like the tire rim contacted the lower front spring pocket.

300SD81 · #14 02-10-2007, 06:09 PM

Heres a picture of the tire hitting the spring. This is with the steering wheel all the way to the right. Hard to get a good angle without lifting the car,

300SD81 · #15 02-13-2007, 04:34 PM

I got the tire balanced and moved to the back. The vibration is completely gone now.

They said it could be a bent lower control arm, or steering knuckle, but tha tI have to take it to a body shop to be sure. How long would it take for an inexperienced person to replace one or both? Can I do it in a weekend, or wait for spring break? They told me the car is safe to drive, so I'm ok waiting until the break if its going to take a long time. I believe I will need to rent a pickle fork and spring compressor. Someone here reported autozone had the correct type of compressor, can anyone confirm?

Whats in the circled part other than the steering knuckle, rotor, and caliper? The plate behind the rotor is visibly bent, so I think I will just replace the whole thing.