2nd Gen Neon 2000 - 2005 2nd Gen Neon

Alignment problem, something bent.

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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 11:27 AM
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cheapez
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Default Alignment problem, something bent.

My 2005 Neon SE has all four stock wheels.
If I draw a straight line from the rear wheel to the front wheel, are the two wheels in the same line? My passenger side wheels are in the same line, but my driver side wheels are not. If I draw a line between them, they are off the line by 1cm each, with the front wheel on the right side of the line, and the rear wheel on the left side of the line (I measured them correctly from the center of the wheels).

The driver side front wheel is almost flush with the side fender. The passenger side front wheel is not so much.

I can't get a new alignment at a shop for now. Cost too much.
Last winter, the driver side rear wheel hit the side curb. The car frame got bent, and a few other things. The shop did everything for a little more than $600. Well, they didn't do a good job at it. My car is now pulling to a side after I replaced a tie rod end. I'm not sure if it pulled before, but this is not a problem because I know how to adjust it.
 

Last edited by cheapez; Feb 4, 2013 at 08:05 AM.
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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 11:41 AM
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I can't blame everything on the shop either. There is no way they can pull the frame really straight after it bent.

I looked at the suspension parts, I can't tell if they are bent.

Answer me what you know or think. It will help me a lot.
I will drive the car with what is left of it.
 

Last edited by cheapez; Feb 4, 2013 at 08:06 AM.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 01:37 AM
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If the frame was bent and they couldn't get it straight again, I think you've answered your own question.
 
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by darthroush
If the frame was bent and they couldn't get it straight again, I think you've answered your own question.
Yes, I they may have pulled my leg straight but made my arm bent.

Are the front, and back wheels suppose to be in the same line on this vehicle, do you know? If it's only a bent control arm then I guess I can replace it by myself.

Thanks
 

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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 06:25 PM
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I don't see why they shouldn't be in a straight line? You'd have uneven wear on the tires because there would be a pull, I'd think. An alignment can probably compensate for some of it. Is there uneven tire wear or accelerated suspension wear (compared to the side that isn't "bent") on the passenger side?
 
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 07:11 PM
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It really sounds like you need a professional alignment my friend.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 04:18 PM
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No tire wear at the moment, but you know. I feel uncomfortable driving the car like that.

We will need another car, Kyle.
We can't spend more on this car, unless it's a small fix.
 

Last edited by cheapez; Feb 4, 2013 at 08:06 AM.
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