Merry X-Mas to Me

I'm sure everyone had a better holiday than I did. On my way home from a party last night both front wheels of my car literally fell off my car. Yes, both wheels.

Prior to this accident my steering was tight, but I thought I just needed some power steering fluid. I guess that wasn't just the case.

Hopefully the experts in this forum could give me some insight to what happened. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

http://ngwill1.tripod.com/front_view.JPG
http://ngwill1.tripod.com/inside_view.JPG
http://ngwill1.tripod.com/inside_view2.JPG

Pics not showing up.

Right click on white boxes, properties, copy/paste, pictures work. The pic's aren't of the area of concern from what I can see, but from what little I can see it looks like the lower ball joints let go. That's very odd for both to go at the same time unless work was just done on your car and maybe someone forgot nuts and/or cotter pins. The axles also look like junk, but then again it's hard to say from those pic's. Have you noticed any play in the steering wheel or knocking noises before this happened? Did you have work done recently? When was your last front end inspection?

Prior to this happening the steering was stiffer than normal, but i thought it was just the lack of power steering fluid.

The last time I had service was about a month ago for an oil change an wheel balance. The dealeship did mention that I would have to replace my ball joint, but it wasn't a big concern at the moment.

I figured I could push it off until the following 3k oil change. I almost made that mark.

thanks for the useful info.

Did they recommend both ball joints? In all my years working with cars I've never seen both go at the same time. Any time a ball joint or tie rod is rec'd to replace it should be done ASAP since it is a safety issue.

The mechanic did recommend both, but there didn't seem to be a huge emphasis to get this done asap.

Luckly enough I had an epiphany to add rental coverage to my insurance about a week ago. I guess I have to look at the positives of this. Well I guess I won't be purchasing that plasma tv that's been on my mind.

Ouch! - I can't see the pics, but thats definitely strange that both let go at the same time. Did you hit any dip or bump when it happened?

Well I guess I won't be purchasing that plasma tv that's been on my mind.

Your better of with LCD. Just got a 32" LCD even though they are still over-priced IMO. Definately is weird looking at a normal TV after watching that.