[pinballmaster]

Months ago I had someone back into my driver side front wheel panel.
According to the body shop it was only cosmetic.
They did the repair, but since getting it back I've noticed some weird things.

1. Steering feels very tight. Like I'm driving in sport instead of touring.
2. My ride is bumpy. At speeds 45+ it feels like I'm bouncing or the tires are skipping. Almost like one of my wheels aren't turning or hitting the ground correctly. This doesn't happen all the time.

Any ideas what the issue could be?
I thought maybe my tires weren't balanced after the repair so I had that done. It didn't help. Maybe they did it wrong?
I called about an alignment, but the shop I called said these symptoms didn't sound like an alignment issue.

Any guesses would be appreciated.
Chevy wants $150 to even look at it.

[SDF62]

Was it the front or the rear panel? Is there a possibility that the wheel/tire was hit during the impact bending one or more of the suspension components? Just a thought......

[easttxss]

You may have to bite the bullet and take it to the dealer if there are no independent shops in your area that can flash any necessary steering items that may need to be replaced. Ask friends and neighbors for any shop they recommend. It sounds like the body shop missed something.

[pinballmaster]

Originally Posted by SDF62

Was it the front or the rear panel? Is there a possibility that the wheel/tire was hit during the impact bending one or more of the suspension components? Just a thought......

It was the front driver side fender. Right before the wheel. The wheel was hit a bit, but the shop claimed there wasn't any damage.
I also wondered if it had bent something.

[pinballmaster]

Originally Posted by easttxss

You may have to bite the bullet and take it to the dealer if there are no independent shops in your area that can flash any necessary steering items that may need to be replaced. Ask friends and neighbors for any shop they recommend. It sounds like the body shop missed something.

I found a place that will do diagnostics for $20. Taking it there on Wednesday.

I'm just curious what the body shop could have done. I presume they would have needed to remove the tire/wheel to complete the repair?
What could they have damaged to cause these issues?

[N Camarolina]

You need to put it up on a lift and examine the suspension and (steering) tie rods while standing under the car. I don't how much confidence you can put in a place that does $20 diagnostics. Obviously they don't intend to spend much time on each vehicle. Might help if you stand under it with the mechanic. Compare what you see on the passenger side to the problematic driver's side.

[pinballmaster]

Originally Posted by N Camarolina

You need to put it up on a lift and examine the suspension and (steering) tie rods while standing under the car. I don't how much confidence you can put in a place that does $20 diagnostics. Obviously they don't intend to spend much time on each vehicle. Might help if you stand under it with the mechanic. Compare what you see on the passenger side to the problematic driver's side.

I originally called them asking about alignment services. I've never had the car aligned thinking Discount Tire had been doing it all of these years.
The owner claimed alignment issues were unlikely but he could diagnose other issues for $20. They've been in business for a very long time.
I figure it's worth a shot. I presume I should also be contacting the original repair shop and insurance.

Could someone running into a tire causing suspension/steering issues?

[jamala00]

Originally Posted by pinballmaster

I originally called them asking about alignment services. I've never had the car aligned thinking Discount Tire had been doing it all of these years.
The owner claimed alignment issues were unlikely but he could diagnose other issues for $20. They've been in business for a very long time.
I figure it's worth a shot. I presume I should also be contacting the original repair shop and insurance.

Could someone running into a tire causing suspension/steering issues?

If hit hard enough sure. It could also cause a bent wheel, wheel out of balance, but that wouldn't make your steering feel stiff I wouldn't think. Suspension would though.

[RamAir02]

Originally Posted by N Camarolina

You need to put it up on a lift and examine the suspension and (steering) tie rods while standing under the car. I don't how much confidence you can put in a place that does $20 diagnostics. Obviously they don't intend to spend much time on each vehicle. Might help if you stand under it with the mechanic. Compare what you see on the passenger side to the problematic driver's side.

This!

Visual inspection will tell you a lot. You'll notice if something is bent, leaking, broken, etc., especially if you compare side to side like Camarolina notes. Apply lateral & vertical force to the wheels to check wheel bearings. Check power steering rack. Check for leaking struts.