Front Suspension and/or steering damage after collision

2009 LEXUS IS 250
160,000 MILES • 2.5L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JAMESRYAN
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  • 1 POST
Recently involved in a side swipe collision which damaged my front left suspension or steering components I believe. The vehicle will drive forward and backward, and the steering is still responsive (I didn't turn wheels more than quarter turn). The front drivers wheel leans pretty severely in and then straightens back up completely then owns in at the top again while coasting forwards or backwards. As you can see toward the end of the video the wheel pops into or out of place it looks like.

Is this obvious to anyone which part this is indicative of? Hoping to get a rough idea of repair costs before having it towed to a shop.

Thank you
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Oct 29, 2021 at 4:30 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

It's really hard to tell, but it appears that I'm seeing the outer tie rod moving up and down when it jumps. If that is the case, I suspect there is an issue with the steering knuckle. The tie rod connects to it to turn the wheels. They shouldn't move up and down. Either that or a ball joint is ready to fall out.

Here is what to do: Safely lift that wheel off the ground. Place your hands at 3 and 9 o'clock and wiggle the wheel back and forth to check for play. If there is play, have a helper watch under the vehicle to see where the play is coming from.

Next, place your hands at 6 and 12 o'clock and do the same thing.

If you look at the pic below, I highlighted the areas to check.

Let me know the results.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Oct 29, 2021 at 9:56 PM
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JIS001
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Hi, just wanted to jump in. You need the vehicle up on a lift to check for bent inner or outer tie rod ends. Inspect the cradle to see if it has shifted out of place. Also have the alignment checked. Working at Lexus I am going to tell you this, the spindle cannot take a hit and bends easily. You won't see it visually, but you will see it in the alignment readings if the camber is way out.

Also, when in the air, check the control arms. Pay attention to the gap on both sides. Control arms bend easily as well. And look for bent struts as well. The repair is not going to be cheap. If you have full coverage insurance, I would recommend you call them so they can pay for the repair.
Oct 29, 2021 at 11:15 PM
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