Testing out the wheels

[ediconu]

Everyone,

Yesterday, while driving on a crappy road near my house, I inadvertantly tested the driver's side wheel's ability to go up on a curb sideways.

They did a fantastic job, the side of the car is un-modified and they are still full of air despite a small crack in the rear rim and a large dent in the side of the tires. The back seemed to take more of the hit because it was more sideways than the front.

Although it felt nearly normal driving to around the block back to my house, I'm curious about several things now. Since the back tire is about 5 degrees off from vertical, what would that have affected in the back? The suspension does not feel softer than before, the break looks fine. Is there a good chance that getting new rims and having them re-alligned would be enough to put the wheel back to it's normal vertical position?

I'm about to go pour soapy water on it to see if it is losing air, but it's remained full for over 12 hours now and the tire doesn't feel different.

Thanks for any info,

Mike


UPDATE: While doing the soapy water test on the tires, I saw no air escaping , even from the crack in the rim. I did notice that the rear tire does look like it lost some air.

I tried pushing down on it to see if the suspension was still in tact and it appears to have the same feel on all four sides.

 

[chaos on wheels]

If your tire is no longer vertical, check for bent suspension arms. If nothing is bent, try to align it.

 

[ediconu]

I got as far under as I could and didn't see anything bent in the suspension. I haven't taken off the wheel though so there could be more damage than I think.

I have new wheels and tires on the way, so when i'm getting those put on and having the exhaust installed and a reverse lights switch for the transmission, i'll have them check for bent/broken things on the rear end.

Thanks for the reply

Mike

 

[Ken]

If I read your post correctly, you hit a curb with your wheels, which I interpret to mean you slid into the curb sideways. Is that correct? :confused

At any rate, any time there is suspected damage to the suspension pieces, it is always a wise bet to have the vehicle's suspension looked over (by a professional if one is not capable of doing the inspection themselves) and then have it four-wheel aligned. You may not notice any difference in the way it handles and feels, but you will notice it when everything starts to wear unevenly. Plus, it'd be good for your peace of mind.

 

[ediconu]

you are correct, sideways onto the curb.... I got about a foot into the grass :eek

The wheel is bent more than enough to cause me to have the surrounding area inspected by the mechanic.

the new ZR-1 wheels are gonna rock

Mike