Can A Vehicle Be Properly Aligned with Frame Damage

I've had a few messages asking about alignment and possible alignment issues concerning the repair on the Acura TL. Here's a quick overview of what was repaired.

►► Moving a vehicle with a broken subframe / crossmember:

►► Subframe / crossmember removal:

►► Subframe / crossmember installation:

Note:
Any attempt to repair automotive parts and/or systems carries risk of personal injury. Always adhere and follow safe practices when working on vehicles. Such as, safety glasses, jack stands, no loose clothing, etc. No guarantee or warranty is implied. Use the information in this video at your own risk.

Publication, reproduction or distribution of this film is strictly prohibited.

Carsntoys

[clammaster]

glad to hear it...seems to be that the solution is to replace the entire front crossmember. I'd hate to replace every part besides the crossmember and still have frame sway so thanks

[andrewhigdon]

Ball joints have very tight tolerances, and if the housing were to be crushed ever so slightly, one might not be able to see it, but it could reduce the free play of the stud within the joint which could in turn hamper steering effort a bit. Also, the shock from the hit could have traveled back through the tie-rod into the rack and misaligned the pinion to rack alignment, thereby increasing steering effort. Might not even cause a leak or have any visual damage. Try removing the nut on the ball joint at the tie rod end, which in most modern cars can be done easily with a swift blow to the tie round end with a 5lb hand sledge. Then when it falls out, see how well the stud moves within the joint. If it binds up or has excessive play, replace it. They are usually $20-70 for most cars. Obviously count the rotations of the tie-rod end while removing it and replace likewise.

[alexsystems]

Thank you for explaining this. I have a 2007 Lexus LS460 that I had hit some road debris and it popped my two drivers side tires. So they replaced the tires and put it on an alignment rack and nothing appears to be broken but there are some dimensions they can’t really get right with the alignment. So they offered to loosen the sub frame and shift it around to get the alignment numbers correct. So I was wondering what the heck they can do with the sub frame to do what they want to do so I’m assuming there is a little bit of play they and shift it around to try to get things closer.

[tristantopambudi]

I've bent the rear chassis of my civic after smashing kerb, can it be fix ? Thanks

[sobirjonzokirovich]

Are you in New Jersey??? My car got too many problems

[AlexeyPena-df]

nissan versa note hit curb straight on. steering wheel immediately was out of balance, took for an alignment and everything was aligned except for the caster, caster on drivers side is positive 2.1, car pulls to the left and tire on the left wears out. could sub frame be bent? Components on this vehicle are. strut, lower control arm, tie rod, cv axle, sway bar links . ?? HELP

[walkwithelijah]

I going through the same alignment problem with my 2006 acura tl. Is there a way u can help

[Michael-qfhn]

What could be the cause if my camber is off on front

[georgebonney]

Very cool car I'm glad it was saved👍

[Rossin]

I have a black 2009 acura tl and I had almost identical damage to my vehicle on the front passenger side

[datguybrad]

Can the caster camber be measured on a damaged sub frame?

[DrinkSavers]

Did you have that piece strapped down while driving it home? Imagine if somebody pulled out in front of you!

[Charkatak]

Hey, I recently hit a curb at maybe 25MPH or more and did scratch/damaged the wheel(repaired now), tire was good, but front left wheel is 1/4 inch pushed back. No damage visually, except for some tear in the lower control arm, where fork connected through the bushing. Maybe impact did affect that bushing, but it is in okay condition and I don't think the wheel setback happened because of the bushing. Went to alignment shop and told them what happened. After an hour, tech came out and said "there is no visual damage". Really don't know how he didn't see the wheel setback?! Showed me alignment print out and most items are ok such as "camber on the left front is 0 and right side is -0.1" which seem to be in spec. The only thing is caster which is 2.0 on the left(hit the curb with) and right side is 2.5, which is a bit more than I would like. I do notice that to steer, I need to put a bit more effort than before. Do you think that lower arm could of slightly bent, upper arm or the bolts that hold arms? 2010 Acura RL

[gregcram]

HOW DO YOU FIK DODGE JEEP VEHICLE AC BUTTON THAT WON'T BLOW COLD ONLY HOT 2006 VEHICLE IS THIS A DIY THING SIR !

[hostilityy]

Can A Vehicle Be Repaired and Aligned with Previous SUBFRAME Damage...?

[lobsterwhisperer]

it isnt possible, the car will never be the same..its like finding out your future wife has been punctured.