Ugh, pot holes ! (and the problems they create) :(

[Yungstar007]

This day was not a day to be driving. Got caught in a minor accident that resulting in the car pulling a damn near 360. The person who caused it all kept on driving. Because of him/her, I ended up clipping the person in front of me, luckily no damage to any of the cars. I have a minor dent above the right side marker, but its not really noticeable.

But then, pulling into a gas station today, I was lucky enough to drive straight into probably the biggest pot hole I have ever seen (or felt in my case) in my life. Because I was making a right turn, the curb was obstructing my view from it until it was too late. I dipped right into the damn thing.

My car now needs some realigning (keeps heading left) but the problem that has me worried is that I can feel a very noticeable rumbling around the area of where my gas foot is. I can't pinpoint it but you can hear a rubbing/unstable moving part sound from whatever is there. Seems to make the sound when I'm accelerating so obviously something is loose. The car went so deep into the hole that I don't even know what could have been hit.

I'm going to be bringing in the car tomorrow to get checked out but any suggestions as to what the sound/problem could be would be great (to calm my nerves atleast.) Sorry for the broad description.

Thanks in advance

[beatdown944]

take a look at it yourself. it could just be your plastic splash shield rubbing on the tire or something minor. as for the pull to the left, if this did not exist before the pothole then there might be some susp damage(must be a big ass pothole). checking tire pressure would be a good start. while your there check around your wheels for some obstruction.

[Yungstar007]

Yeah, that pothole was something vicious. The car literally strained itself it get out of it, that's how bad it hit when I went in.
Took a good look at the wheels, doesn't seem to be any damage to the axles and whatnot, nothing caught in there either.

I'm hoping it is something minor like the splash shield, but it was hard to look at tonight because of it being dark; I'll take another look tomorrow.

Car didn't pull left like it does now, alignment was on point since I got it, completely straight until today, just praying no serious suspension damage has been created.

[beatdown944]

I've heard of circumstances here in cali where calTrans has had to pay for vehicles damaged during driving on roads not properly maintained.

[joemathews]

Watch out for North Carolina roads as well, particularly around Charlotte


Try hitting a pothole when you're going 70 mph on the highway

At least the damage wasn't too severe on your car, Yungstar, and no one was injured.

[---]

Originally Posted by beatdown944

I've heard of circumstances here in cali where calTrans has had to pay for vehicles damaged during driving on roads not properly maintained.

I think that's true in many states. If your car fucks up because of a problem that needs to be dealt with, the government needs to pay for it.

[beatdown944]

that tire damage was from a pothole? That must have been painful. You guys could probably get that paid for.

[nova1313]

pennslyvania is much the same way. Potholes everywhere from all the freeze thaw in the winter. You can tell the moment you cross state lines just from the feel of the roads.

[Yungstar007]

Well, back from my mechanic, here's the damage:

My driver side front strut completely broke out of the spindal. The rubbing sound was the strut being held up by the piece that runs horizontal into the CV boot. That was actually the saving grace because if I had driven for another day, the strut would have slipped right off that piece and I would have been crying a different tune.

The outer CV boot was torn and the strut clamp broke also. Both were replaced. They were able to raise the strut back into it's spot, thankfully. The axle was still in good condition too.

After labour/parts/and the 4-wheel realignment, the cost was quite a bit (around $300 Canadian)

Like some of you mentioned, I decided to call our public works department and put my claim in. Hopefully I'll get reimbursed for the cost. Beware of potholes !

[---]

Good luck with getting your money back! I know I'd raise hell about it had that been me.