Car Troubles

Well yesterday was the second day I had my license, and I got into an accident.

I was going to fast on a turn, and hit the curb damaging what I think is the steering arm.

Somewhat luckily, I go to a technical high school, and have friends in auto shop that can fix it for free. Of coarse, I need to buy the parts.

I'm not sure what part I need. I think my axle is still in tact, but I think what is broken is the steering arm, but I'm not sure.

Good Side:


Bad Side:


What part is this, and any good places online to buy parts?

It's a 2001 Chevy Prism, by the way.

 

You more than likely broke or damaged the tie rod. Try Amazon.com for parts, or if you trust it, eBay.

 

Just go to a local auto parts store. Most of the time they will have warranties with them when you buy them, sometimes lifetime warranties!

I wouldn't trust online stuff, because if you get the wrong parts returning can be a bitch.

 

I've ordered a ton of car parts (also other merchandise) and I've never had a problem with it. But, the reason I order stuff is because I don't live very close to any good stores. The closest town with any "good" stored (this even includes a Walmart) is about 20 - 30 miles away.

Anyway, like TJ said, it would probably be best to just go to an auto parts store, if you live near one. If you are still unsure on what the problem is, more time then not, the auto parts store will help you figure out what parts you need.

 

Ok I'm going to a auto parts store tomorrow that was recommended by the AAA that towed my car.

I owe you guys cheeseburgers.

 

give me a bloody cheeseburger

 

It can be a couple of things. I can not tell but it could be a lower control arm, tie rod, ball joint, maybe just a ripped boot. I do have a question, when you turn, do you hear any weird noises that you didn't notice before? Let me know.

 

After the accident I did try to drive it home. It was ok but you can feel the wheel being out of alignment, and it did make a weird noise a few times while turning.

 

Out of alignment most likely means tie rod, I think. (Something similar happened to my car.) Also, did the wheel like jerk a little back and forth when you were driving?

 

It was a little but out of alignment, but not nearly as much as I expected.

If you look in the picture the bottom metal piece is bent backwards (it's much easier to see in real life). I don't know what that piece is called though and it might not be the only part broken.

 

I would reccomend just going to a junkyard honestly because parts stores charge up the asshole x20 for most parts compared to junkyards.

 

Ah, it's much easier to compare the pictures when they are both oriented the same and correct way.
Anyways, from what I can tell in the pictures is that it's the control arm. If that's what is is your looking at around a $50 - $200 part, depending, of course, on where you buy it an whether it's new or used.

EDIT:
And yea, I agree with Sliced, a junkyard would be your best bet. Just call around before you spend a ton of money on one when you could get one for cheaper elsewhere.

 

It looks like the tie rod to me, but I'm not really sure.

 

That was my initial thought, but you you save and open the two photos and orient them the same sway, right side up, it's easier to see and I think it's the Control Arm; but of course, I'm not entirely sure, I'm no car expert or anything.

 

Thanks guys. Now I have a good idea of what I'm looking for. I figure by looking at the tie rod, and the control arm. You'll be able to see which one my car needs.

This may be a bit to much, but how hard do you think it would be to install it?

 

If you don't know anything about cars, then probably not worth your time.

You are better off taking it to a professional, even though they may charge a bit.

 

Eh, It will probably be like $300 for labor. I have a feeling auto shop at my school will procrastinate it til like June. I would enjoy learning how to do it, if I could find a place to learn.

Do you know how to do it TJ? Cause I ain't you ain't I?

 

I usually have all my repairs like that professionally done

I am you aint i?

 

Eh I'll probably end up trying to do it.

 

i speed alot, no wrecks yet