Accident
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Accident
I was driving my new 99 (2WD 4.0L V6 manual) ford ranger around the other day and I hit a curb at a 45 degree angle going about 20mph. I piece of the rim splintered off and the tire looked like it was going to pop. Immediately I noticed it pulled to the left. I took it home changed the tire with the fullsize spare and inflated all the tires to the proper pressure. Any suggestions? I know I bent something, I was just hoping someone can me point me in the right direction. Thanks a lot guys, I hope I did not mess up something really expensive.
Ben
Ben
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
Likes: 4
From: Mifflin, PA
1st guess is you bent a tie rod ...... 2nd guess you bent the gear box shaft - does the steering wheel turn funny? As in turn partway then stiffen up for a little then free up as you turn it?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
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From: Eastern WA
Before visiting the alignment shop, replace the rim and if needed replace the tire. Odds are, you knocked the front end out of alignment. I would suggest not driving this vehicle or at minimum minimizing the miles as driving with a front end out of alignment can be hard on tire life, depending on just how far off it is.
*Just a heads up, if you find yourself in a position that you know you are going to slide into a curb and it cannot be avoided (such as on a snowy sidestreet at a low rate of speed), try to steer and drive over the curb rather than hit it. This assumes of course, that it's not a exceptionally high curb.
*Just a heads up, if you find yourself in a position that you know you are going to slide into a curb and it cannot be avoided (such as on a snowy sidestreet at a low rate of speed), try to steer and drive over the curb rather than hit it. This assumes of course, that it's not a exceptionally high curb.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
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The steering wheel does not turn funny. I just have to hold it at or around 10 degrees right to drive straight. I already replaced the tire with the fullsize spare and inflated all the rims. Do you think an alignment will solve the problem? Is there a way for me to check for a bent tie rod? Thanks again guys.
