lower A arm repair

[240crawler]

I had a small drift accident last week that left my passenger rear A-arm bent like a taco. Had a machine shop put it back straight, but now I have a problem. When I turn to the right, loading up the left suspension, it is almost like normal. But when I turn left, loading up the affected side, I have instability going into massive oversteer when throttle is applied.My A-arm was bent at the rear bushing, wheel looked like it had 10 degrees POSITIVE camber. I got it back right, but what is the problem? Do I need an alignment? Would I be better to trade it for another car? I love the s13, but this is crazy. My Explorer handles better now.

[skydragoness]

I had a small drift accident last week that left my passenger rear A-arm bent like a taco. Had a machine shop put it back straight, but now I have a problem. When I turn to the right, loading up the left suspension, it is almost like normal. But when I turn left, loading up the affected side, I have instability going into massive oversteer when throttle is applied.My A-arm was bent at the rear bushing, wheel looked like it had 10 degrees POSITIVE camber. I got it back right, but what is the problem? Do I need an alignment? Would I be better to trade it for another car? I love the s13, but this is crazy. My Explorer handles better now.

Why would you trade the car for a bent arm? Go to PDM-Racing.com, they have OEM replacements that are cheaper than what Nissan actually sells them for.

I'm guessing by the term rear 'A' arm, you bent this?

[240crawler]

A-arm is perfect now, but I still have 0.5 degrees postive camber instead of 2.5 neg. I am afraid that the subframe is bent inwards a small amount. I went from 35-40 to a dead stop in like 10 feet after hitting the culvert. I almost flipped the car, blew out the tire, and broke the rim. I am very lucky that the arm and subframe are the only damaged parts besides the lower rocker panel. My friend, however, thought I had good form until I plowed and went wide. I really do need a new clutch. He thought it was funny that I wrecked until he saw the cut on my head and he had to drive my car home.

[skydragoness]

A-arm is perfect now, but I still have 0.5 degrees postive camber instead of 2.5 neg. I am afraid that the subframe is bent inwards a small amount. I went from 35-40 to a dead stop in like 10 feet after hitting the culvert. I almost flipped the car, blew out the tire, and broke the rim. I am very lucky that the arm and subframe are the only damaged parts besides the lower rocker panel. My friend, however, thought I had good form until I plowed and went wide. I really do need a new clutch. He thought it was funny that I wrecked until he saw the cut on my head and he had to drive my car home.

Wow, well, perhaps you can take it to a frame shop for poops and giggles and see if they can re-align it. I dunno, doesn't sound like a 'small' drift accident like you stated. Your'e lucky.

[cdlong]

A-arm is perfect now

i really doubt that, just replace it. get one from a junk yard if you can't afford a new one.

[eddiec]

or better yet pull the rear subframe from a yard and replace it all. then be done with it.

[240crawler]

Wow, well, perhaps you can take it to a frame shop for poops and giggles and see if they can re-align it. I dunno, doesn't sound like a 'small' drift accident like you stated. Your'e lucky.

Small considering the speed in which I normally travel sideways. I have a death wish because my 12 year old brother needs college later and I have a $500,000 life policy, double if in an accident.

or better yet pull the rear subframe from a yard and replace it all. then be done with it.

i really doubt that, just replace it. get one from a junk yard if you can't afford a new one.

No money for next 56 days. Just started on a tow boat, leave Thursday. Now I will have enough money to finish my 347. I have decided to leave my poor coupe alone and stuff that beautiful V8 in a hatch. Neighbor has one with locked up SOHC for $250. I will think about full rear suspension transplant in my coupe. What will fit-Z32, Q45, 350z? I will have junkyard money in 2 months and have already decided on some upgrades.