Broken Steering Arm?

[wtp]

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 though 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.

[Moppie]

Jack the car up, take the wheel off, and take some more pictures using a camera with a flash.

All I can see in those photos is the lower control arm, part of the hub, and sway bar mount. Along with the axle and C.V. Boot.

Hitting curbs at speed can do lots of damage. I've bent the whole subframe of a car just hitting a pot hole at speed.

[wtp]

Originally Posted by Moppie

Jack the car up, take the wheel off, and take some more pictures using a camera with a flash.

All I can see in those photos is the lower control arm, part of the hub, and sway bar mount. Along with the axle and C.V. Boot.

Hitting curbs at speed can do lots of damage. I've bent the whole subframe of a car just hitting a pot hole at speed.

Oh damn. I'll take some more picture tomorrow. It's good to hear from someone knowledgeable.

-



This is the only part that I'm sure is broken. Is this the control arm?

[Moppie]

That is the lower control arm.

They do tend to bend, or suffer fractures or tears if the wheel hits something.
However, if you hit something hard enough to damage it, then chances are it is not the only thing damaged.

The car really needs to be put up in the air with the wheel taken off, and someone with some experiance (i.e. not auto-tech students) needs to have a close inspection.

You might replace the arm, only to find the hub is cracked and wheel falls off, or the bearings size at speed.

[wtp]

Originally Posted by Moppie

That is the lower control arm.

They do tend to bend, or suffer fractures or tears if the wheel hits something.
However, if you hit something hard enough to damage it, then chances are it is not the only thing damaged.

The car really needs to be put up in the air with the wheel taken off, and someone with some experiance (i.e. not auto-tech students) needs to have a close inspection.

You might replace the arm, only to find the hub is cracked and wheel falls off, or the bearings size at speed.

Damn, I guess so. I'll take it to a shop. Eh oh well at least I'll get my car back quicker.