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03-21-2011, 04:37 PM | #1 | |
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2008 Kia Optima - Bent Spindle - Don't Ask!
Just kidding, but seriously...
Yeah, I hit a curb at quite a clip back in 2009 because I wasn't paying attention. It damaged the LF rim, tore up the LF sidewall, and resulted in that spindle being bent slightly upward and back, acc to the alignment I had done around last Christmas. It's producing a steering wheel that leans to the right when straight ahead - even though this car does NOT pull. The specs sheet confirms toe at all four corners is DEAD CENTER, along with Camber and Caster. The car has rolled great since this alignment and steering return from left and right turns has never been better.(I encourage owners of the 2007-2010 optima NOT to trade in for the 2011 with electric PS - the reviews so far are not stellar but still better than for the 2005 Malibu) How expensive is such a part + replacement? I know what my shops alignment costs so I will just add that to whatever is suggested on here. Thanks! |
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03-21-2011, 05:21 PM | #2 | ||
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Re: 2008 Kia Optima - Bent Spindle - Don't Ask!
Quote:
A competent shop should be able to get the job done in less than 2 hours. Call around to get prices on the install also.
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03-22-2011, 11:34 AM | #3 | |
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Re: 2008 Kia Optima - Bent Spindle - Don't Ask!
It sounds like your main concern is that the steering wheel isn't centered up when the wheels are pointed in the straight ahead position ? Am I reading that correctly ? If so , that can be corrected by adjusting the steering linkage during the alignment process . Are you sure the spindle is bent ? If that is the case , I'd definitely have it replaced as the force needed to bend it may have destroyed it's structural integrity and it will be prone to failure .It is a safety issue that shouldn't be ignored .
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03-24-2011, 04:08 PM | #4 | ||
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Re: 2008 Kia Optima - Bent Spindle - Don't Ask!
Quote:
Correcting for all this by simply adjusting the linkage is not an option. if the spindle is bent, that wheel is not properly positioned on the car relative to the other three - even if the alignment computer says caster camber and toe are all dialed in. If you watch a NASCAR race on Fox they will time to time pick a car and throw telemetry for that car up on the screen: Amount of throttle, RPMs, Brake, and recently - steering wheel position. And they pointed out that when driving down the track, a properly set up race car suspension should require a mostly "negative" positioning of the steering wheel by the driver - that is, the driver has to turn the wheel slightly leftward to track perfectly straight. A "positive" wheel - having to turn the wheel right to keep going straight -indicates a problem. My sw is positive - by itself even though the car still tracks true. It is DISTRACTING when the wheel is not where you naturally expect it to be when you grip it to turn when going down the road. Very often I find myself meeting oncoming traffic a little closer than I should. In most brand new cars that I've test driven I've had to hold the wheel slightly leftward to track straight(negative). This is due to something called crowning, combined with the fact that in the U.S. most of us drive on the righthand side of the road(Just as in the UK I would expect it to drift to the left). In that new car when I let go of the wheel it straightens, but the car gradually drifts toward the curb - over 1/8th - 1/4mile's travel. It is this behavior I wish to restore to my Optima - and getting that spindle replaced will likely cure the problem. All I need to know is if anyone else here has done spindle work or had it done and how much(excl alignment) it may cost. |
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03-24-2011, 05:15 PM | #5 | ||
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Re: 2008 Kia Optima - Bent Spindle - Don't Ask!
Quote:
As I said before, call around for prices on parts and install labor or buy a manual and do it yourself. Prices will vary for different makes and models of cars.
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03-24-2011, 05:42 PM | #6 | ||
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Re: 2008 Kia Optima - Bent Spindle - Don't Ask!
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03-24-2011, 05:54 PM | #7 | ||
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Re: 2008 Kia Optima - Bent Spindle - Don't Ask!
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Now, back to some real world cases? |
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03-24-2011, 06:01 PM | #8 | |
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Re: 2008 Kia Optima - Bent Spindle - Don't Ask!
Sorry Railz , wasn't trying to imply you're stupid .Accept my apologies if I offended you .
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03-24-2011, 06:06 PM | #9 |
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Re: 2008 Kia Optima - Bent Spindle - Don't Ask!
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