Is my car totaled?

2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
13,000 MILES
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SNQUAKENBUSH
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Hello,

Earlier today I made a sharp turn into a parking space, and immediately after I noticed something was wrong with my steering wheel and alignment. I backed out of the space and pulled back in and noticed as I turned my steering wheel (with ease) the car itself was not turning smoothly as it should, it was trying to turn but kept jerking and tugging and not quite making the turn. I pulled back into my parking space and tried to figure out what exactly happened when I pulled into the parking space. I checked my power steering fluid, and that was fine, and full. I checked my belts, they were also good. As a last resort I got in my car and turned my steering wheel all the way to the left, got out, looked at my front right tire and it was straight (the left however was turned accordingly). I got back in my car and turned the steering wheel all the way to the right, once again my right wheel was in the same spot, facing straight ahead as if my steering wheel wasn't turned at all, and my left wheel was turned accordingly.

What do you think happened to my car? Is my axle broken? Or is it something else? How much do you think this will cost me?

- Shelbie
Feb 18, 2012 at 2:06 AM
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BILLYMAC
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Hi lol no your car is not totaled what has happened is a tie rod has broken this is not an expensive fix prob 60.00 part and 1 hrs labor plus the cost of a alignment.
Feb 18, 2012 at 2:12 AM
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SNQUAKENBUSH
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Oh my goodness, that's great news! Thank you! I'm assuming it isn't safe to drive to a mechanic? I don't live far from one, but I'm nervous to take it anywhere with one wheel not turning.
Feb 18, 2012 at 2:18 AM
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BILLYMAC
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No you cannot drive it to mech has to be towed or replaced right there. good luck
Feb 18, 2012 at 2:20 AM
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SNQUAKENBUSH
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Thank you so much for all your help!!
Feb 18, 2012 at 2:21 AM
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BILLYMAC
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YOUR WELCOME
Feb 18, 2012 at 2:45 AM