Expert: Michael Kakuk - 6/1/2010

Question
My 98 acura two door CL was slightly hit in the front passenger corner. I found that the lower control arm was bent and the bolts that connected the radius bar to the lower control arm had snapped off. I replace the lower control arm but now the radius  rod holes and the stabilizer bar holes don't line up with the lower control arm. Both the radius rod and the stabilizer bar are off by a 1/2 inch to 1 inch from the control arm.
Do you think I may have a bent frame or can both the stabilizer and the radius rod be bent?

Answer
SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE A POSSIBLE BENT ENGINE CRADLE. I WOULD REPLACE THE RADIUS RODS TO SEE
IF THEY COME LOSER IN ALIGNMENT TO THE CONTROL ARM.

CHECK THE POCKET WHERE THE CONTROL ARM MOUNTS TO THE SUBFRAME....IT MAY HAVE DRIVEN THE POCKET IN.

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO KNOW WITHOUT SEEING THE DAMAGES.


MIKE