seeking repair advice for 2005 mazda sport GT

[skysmile]

Hi Folks,

I went to the US a while ago and on the expressway I hit the road curb by the right front side of rim ....

anyways, long story short, after I drove back I found the car is not as solid as it was and it can' drove straight without extra effort on steering. After got it checked I was told by one mechanic I have to replace the following things or the alignment can't work.

1.subframe (90% chance)
2.strut or shock(100% chance),
3.steering rack (60% chance)

Apprarently from what he describes the cost would be huge. So I just want to get your guys suggestion on what should I replace and how much is the reasonable cost.

Any hint would be appreciated,

sky

[FLIPDADY]

Get an exact estimate from the dealer on what needs to be replaced. A lot of the time there are parts that can be saved. Sometimes there are more parts that need to be replaced after the alignment is done.

I would add lower control arm, spindle, hub and bearing to your list.

[skysmile]

Did that in Mazda Markham(might not be a good place)...Dealer first replaced lower control arm, but after several days' driving, the car is still apprarently not in good driving condition. Then got a mechnic works on Mazda for over 6 years and he suggests replacing things I mentioned.

More advice?

[Noisy Crow]

Did that in Mazda Markham(might not be a good place)...Dealer first replaced lower control arm, but after several days' driving, the car is still apprarently not in good driving condition. Then got a mechnic works on Mazda for over 6 years and he suggests replacing things I mentioned.

More advice?

Did you try a body shop? They have the equipment to check the geometry of your car and tell you exactly what is not where it is supposed to be.

[skysmile]

Did you try a body shop? They have the equipment to check the geometry of your car and tell you exactly what is not where it is supposed to be.

Can anyone recommend a mechnic or shop to inspect? on top of all the potential replacement, I have to change rear brake pad as well.

[kevcol74]

I smoked the 401 barrier at about 80 km/h, only the wheel hit thankfully (winter, car spun out of the service center across 3 lanes, I avoided him, but the slush on the side of the road pulled me into the barrie) Got out, everything looked fine, drove away with a steering wheel turned 90 deg out when driving straight... took it to the shop, needed a rim (obviously bent) and new inner and outer tie rods... thats it. Alignment and it was good to go, $150 damage total, alignment included. Mind you, this was a 88 Tempo!:chuckle

Chances are it could be "fixed" for less, but you could still have damage (control arm) that would not do anything short term... Long run... maybe. If its a lease return, fix it to drive straight... if its a keeper, fix it right.

[skysmile]

Thanks for sharing your story. Anyways I searched and found some parts (front subframe & steering rack) they want to sell, but They were on 2004 mazda 3. Are these parts can be also used for 2005 mazda3 GT?

[Noisy Crow]

Thanks for sharing your story. Anyways I searched and found some parts (front subframe & steering rack) they want to sell, but They were on 2004 mazda 3. Are these parts can be also used for 2005 mazda3 GT?

Almost for sure. PM Flipdady and he will be able to tell you for sure. Hmmm... or, maybe give our new friends at Oakville Mazda a shout and ask them....

[skysmile]

Hi kevcol74, Where did you get your car fixed? sounds like we got into exactly same type of accicendent.

Thanks
sky


I smoked the 401 barrier at about 80 km/h, only the wheel hit thankfully (winter, car spun out of the service center across 3 lanes, I avoided him, but the slush on the side of the road pulled me into the barrie) Got out, everything looked fine, drove away with a steering wheel turned 90 deg out when driving straight... took it to the shop, needed a rim (obviously bent) and new inner and outer tie rods... thats it. Alignment and it was good to go, $150 damage total, alignment included. Mind you, this was a 88 Tempo!:chuckle

Chances are it could be "fixed" for less, but you could still have damage (control arm) that would not do anything short term... Long run... maybe. If its a lease return, fix it to drive straight... if its a keeper, fix it right.