subframe shifted?

jason1980 · Post by **jason1980** » 13 Jul 2015, 18:50

Hey guys.
I haven't really needed to post until now, I have always found what I needed to repair my car, so here goes. I have a 1998 s70 t5m. I hit a curb in a parking lot, going around 5 mph, but hit hard enough to blow an inch wide hole in my tire. Got a new one, went home to check it out and the forward tip of the sway bar is touching the control arm. I bought a new one assuming I had bent it and replaced it today. All said and done, it still rubs. Have I bent my frame? Or moved the subframe and or bent the subframe bolts? I am at a loss. I love the car, but this has me stumped. Any ideas?
1998 s70 t5m, 199900 miles

Post by **erikv11** » 13 Jul 2015, 19:28

Just to clarify, did you put in a new control arm, or a new sway bar?

It does sound like a bent subframe, don't see how it could be subframe bolts, but really there is no way to tell what's up for sure without seeing it, can you take some pictures and post them up?

mika · Post by **mika** » 14 Jul 2015, 08:43

A low speed like would not bend anything except your suspension or steering components. I have seen head on collisions where the sub frame still "looked" straight.

Either steering or suspensions components are the culprit. My bet is on the inner tie rod. If you cant visualize what looks off, take it to an alignment shop.

mika · Post by **mika** » 14 Jul 2015, 09:14

edit: I thought about this a little more, and if you subframe bushings are shot, I would guess that your initial idea would be possible. You can always look into the subframe bushing inserts on IPD and install them to "align" or "straighten" your old bushings out. That way, you can remove the subframe bolts for inspection, and reinstall everything and get an accurate assessment.

jason1980 · Post by **jason1980** » 14 Jul 2015, 12:01

I put in a new control arm. Yeah, I can try to post some pics once I figure out how, I'm working off my phone.

jason1980 · Post by **jason1980** » 14 Jul 2015, 12:26

Here you go guys, thanks for the replies. The new control arm is on the bottom.

mika · Post by **mika** » 14 Jul 2015, 13:14

So on turns, the above picture, the sway bar touches the control arm? And the new control arm did not solve the issue?

In the times I have hit curbs, my alignment was off and I felt wobbles in my steering wheel too. It is hard to tell in the pictures what else is going on. Anything else look off kilter? Are you sure the new control arm is installed correctly and everything is reconnected? back up and re check things you might have overlooked

jason1980 · Post by **jason1980** » 15 Jul 2015, 13:06

It touches all the time. The control arm is properly installed, nothing really looks bent as far as I can tell. It clunks resembling a broken spring seat, I thought the impact popped it so I replaced the entire strut assembly that was original. It transmits some horrific vibration into the cabin as well.

mika · Post by **mika** » 15 Jul 2015, 14:20

Hard to help over the internet without seeing it in person ya know?

You can always loosen and remove the subframe bolts one at a time, esp since you think the subframe may have "shifted". It is not difficult, I would say easier than the shock and control arm removal you already performed. You may need a jack on that side to support the side you are undoing. Check if they are straight. You already mentioned you have an impact so the subframe bolts should be no problem. Maybe you broke a subframe bushings (they are hollow and old by now anyway)

Post by **erikv11** » 15 Jul 2015, 16:48

Can you show a pic of the sway bar touching the control arm? I doubt this will solve it but I am curious.

Did you check back in toward the sway bar bushing, is the sway bar properly attached to the subframe? And the sway bar end link, those are not very beefy.