Still a steering problem--

Since my whole shock absorber thread, I made an informed decision and bought some cheap Gabriel Ultras(front struts, thinking hijackers in back, but i like the black), nothing fancy just a good name from way back when muscle cars ruled the world. This way, I have more money to throw around for new brakes.

Now I have another problem, I mentioned the car had an accident, which might have effed up the alignment(don't even know what i'm talking about) Anyway I was reading about sway bars, and my tires rub my front sway bar, which left a nice scar and worn down the inside of my front tires. Tomorrow I'm going to install the Ultras and drop it to see if there's a difference. If It doesn't help, i'm still glad I took out the GR2s but the tires on my 16s might be too wide and they slam right into the sway bar whenever I turn the wheel(on both sides). Maybe a new sway bar is in order? I won't know for sure til tomorrow but I figure someone has to have expertise in this area.

I apologize for confusing the lower control arm with the front sway bar in multiple posts. There's no way they're similar lol

It sounds like something's bent on the front end, and it's not likely the swaybar.

It sounds like something's bent on the front end, and it's not likely the swaybar.

what could be bent? that would be affecting both sides of the car if it was only the passenger side that got hit? Sorry I don't know much about cars yet, just looking for help

*edited, i'm too tired right now, fixing spelling..

About the wide tire theory, here's fuel for thought--> Pirelli P8000 Vizzolas - P245/50 R16 96H M+S

Is there any reason these wouldn't fit?

Have you looked at the toe on the front end? There could be a bent tie-rod and that would affect toe on both sides. Excessive toe-in can cause the wheels to hit the sway bar. Does the car drive straight, with normal steering response? Does the car stay straight if you take both hands off the steering wheel at low speeds? Does the front end tend to "roll over" with low steering wheel input? Does the car tend to want to change directions when you're driving on a bumpy surface?

Are the struts good now? Any bent control arms? If you take the car to a shop that can put it on an alignment rack, caster should be the same on both sides. Ditto for camber. If anything's off, there's a good chance that something's bent. You said you were in an accident. Did it tear up the car at all?

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^^; I just bought it, I've only driven it in my driveway(fairly nice property, double sided dirt road) and all I've noticed is it handles like a tank and I figure it's because of the sway bar. You could be right about a tie rod being bent, I'm thinking of buying a front end rebuild kit. I'll check the chassis tomorrow morning. Thanks for your help

*edit --currently fixing brakes and I have no auto insurance so I couldn't drive it now

BTW those wheels and tires should fit that car just fine.

I'm a little pissed off right now but the situation can't get anything but better. I've figured out the problem. I got my new struts on and checked the power steering. The tire is now about 3/4 of an inch away from touching the sway bar, this is on the driver's side. On the other side, the tire hits the sway bar. My cousin suggested I get the body realigned. The reason i don't like this is because I thought I'd be able to fix it without professional help. I thought "get a new front end and it'll be fixed" now i'm not sure at all.

Would new tire rods, ends, etc and sway bar be a good idea or do i just need an alignment job? I'm more pissed that all that work and my car looks the same(stance) but that's.... for another thread.