bent some lines jacking up my car

[Kremlar]

Well, I was an idiot and bent some lines (at a minimum) jacking up my car. I was jacking it up by the center mounting point and it must have slipped off the point and when I looked under the car the jack had slipped to the front of the mounting point and was pushing through the plastic shield.

I let it down and jacked it back up to see what I had done and sure enough, at a minimum, bent a couple of metal lines that are right in front of the jack point, bent enough that I don't trust they are not damaged or constricting.

Can anyone tell me what these lines are, and if they are reasonable to replace? OEM or aftermarket?

I'm probably going to have it towed to my local shop instead of risking starting it up and driving.

Thanks..

[Kremlar]

Some pics here:

http://www.techav.com/misc/300zx/bent1.jpg
http://www.techav.com/misc/300zx/bent2.jpg
http://www.techav.com/misc/300zx/bent3.jpg

[nissanfreak12]

Those almost look line transmission lines, if you have an automatic. If they are, you should be able to drive to a shop, but they will need to be replaced. They are detrimental for the function of the trans. Just on the drive do not stomp on the gas or drive it like you stole, take it nice and easy.

[Kremlar]

It's a manual transmission, twin turbo.

I'm going to have it towed to be safe - don't want to turn it into a bigger problem. I have AAA. It won't be free because the shop I want to tow it to is a couple towns over, but it will be cheaper than calling a truck myself I guess.

Just hoping to get a heads up on what those lines are and find out how much $$$ damaged I did...

[itsa300zx]

Power steer lines if they run across the front cross member. Pics are too close, can you get a couple further back?

[Kremlar]

Not going to jack it back up, so those are the only pics I have. They are RIGHT in front of the jack point, basically the first thing underneath the plastic shield coming from the back.

My wife did say the steering was ridiculously hard to turn when I was pushing it back into the garage, but I kind of just blew her off.

I'll report back what lines they were once I get it in and hear from the shop.

Thanks!

[Kremlar]

If they are power steering any idea what I should expect in regards to the repair?

Thanks

[nissanfreak12]

Power steering lines will have a small black hard tube running across the cross member/Radiator support. It will also have the high pressure line, which is not i the pic.

The only other two lines that are that close are the oil cooler lines, especially if is on the passenger side. They should connect to soft(rubber) lines which go toward the oil filter tree. Those definitely need to be fixed, if it is them.

Price wise, hard to say. If its a shop that knows these cars, will be fairly quick and not too expensive. Unless it was the power steering and the high pressure line was hurt. My money is on the oil cooler lines.

[Phan]

this is the reason why I use a jack stand and a scissor jack for every mounting point on the car. to damn risky.

[Kremlar]

I don't have a low profile enough jack or ramps, so I do this:

- drive up a small wooden block ramp I made
- get jack under and jack up from center mount point
- slide in plastic ramps under wheels
- release jack

To lower it I do the opposite. I was trying to save $ versus buying low profile ramps, but I guess I was the fool!

Shop confirms it is the power steering lines. Says they look like a b**** to replace, lots of labor to get to where they connect, so he's suggesting he cut and replace the bent/broken portion of the lines with compression fittings. Seems confident they will last and said that's what he'd do if it was his car. Seems like the way to go.

Any thoughts/comments?

[Kremlar]

He got back to me and said he doesn't feel comfortable with the quick fix because the lines were not the size he expected, so looks like we're ordering up the proper lines.

He did mention they were for the rear power steering, so I do believe that's HICAS if I understand correctly.

[itsa300zx]

Thats correct, the TT chasis has two extra lines the run to the rear of the car for the hi cas system. Have you ever thought of doing the hi cas elimination? Might be cheaper over all. Others seem to have problems with the rear steering system over time, maybe someting to think about.

[Kremlar]

I have not. Any links to share? I will research.

[itsa300zx]

Powertrix has a nice kit:

https://www.powertrix.com/z32/z32-suspe ... e/z32hicas

Talk to Charles, he will let you know what you need. I do not have any hands on experience with the hi cas system, as my car is a NA chasis, which did not come with rear steering.

Hope that helps.

Peter

[Kremlar]

Thanks, it's another option. I think I'm going to move forward with the line replacement for now and see how that goes. If it ends up being an issue I will look into disabling.

Will post back.

Thanks for all the feedback.

[nissanfreak12]

ANother option is to delete the HICAS and install a NA sterring pump and brace the rear. Just a thought.

[Kremlar]

Just wanted to close this thread. Everything seems to be good after replacing those lines. Ended up being a ~$600 "oil change" after expedited shipping of the lines (from CA), labor, etc.

Lesson learned!