Hit curb left front tire/wheel - potential damages?

I've hit a curb before and it resulted in... Bent strut, damaged wheel hub, rashed wheel (not bent). I did all the work myself I ended up having to buy a new axle though because I failed to correctly remove the axle nut.

If I recall correctly... the strut was about $95 and the hub/wheel bearing was $230.

Any one elses situation could have different results. Here is the possible things that could be damaged...

Bent wheel
Bent tie rod
Tweaked lower ball joint
Bent strut
Bent lower A arm
Damaged wheel hub/bearings.

 

I would definitely swap the front wheel with the rear wheel for now. The front is the drive/steering wheel, so you want a good, sound, undamaged wheel there.

Then depending on whether there is any apparent damage to the impacted wheel, either mount it on the rear or mount the spare donut on the rear. Look for a bent/cracked rim or spokes when assessing the wheel for damage.

SCH-I535

 

Its unlikely that any of the hybrid components were damaged, any competent mechanic should be able to make any repairs required.

 

Don't forget to check the frame area where the control arm attaches, too.

 

I fear hitting the curbs when I do a right turn. The visibly is quite horrible on the Prius and it feels like the dash is so high that it is hindering my sight. Hope I don't run over a dog or kid on the sidewalk one of these days while doing a turn.

GOod luck.

 

Whirring noise would be from the wheel hub/bearings. I'd ask your mechanic how he determined that the hub/bearing is okay. The noise you are describing with the troubleshooting would tell me otherwise.

Nexus 5

 

Tires can make a whirring too. The best bet to check for the noise is to use a lift.

 

Thats what i figured his troubleshooting method was. Shaking the wheel isn't always a good indicator of a bad bearing.

I'm not a mechanic but I've replaced a handful of bad hubs/bearings on my cars. None of my wheel assemblies had side to side play trying to shake the wheel.


There are only a few parts that would cause the humming noise at speed. After a curb impact, the wheel hub/bearing is the most likely component if you rule out the wheel/tire.

The tie rod is a good candidate. And would be cheaper to replace. It would throw off the alignment which could result in a hummm.

Nexus 5

 

If you would, please verify what type mechanic/business checked your vehicle out. Hitting a curb at 25 mph, and the wheel damage they say resulted, requires more than a visual and wheel wiggle to determine all damage caused by this impact.

 

File a claim with your insurance and have this properly handled. A collision specialist is better suited to determine all damage in this situation. Even if there is no major damage, tweaking the alignment to compensate minor issues will bite you in the rear later.

 

I would not recommend filing an insurance claim. This is a very easy repair that would cost less than a standard $500 deductible and any potential insurance rates increase or good driver standing with your provider.

Nexus 5

 

Actually you could seek a good body/chassis shop 'with the proper equipment" to give a free or low cost estimate. The problem happens when folks do not know the shops, industry practices or mechanicals themselves. I hate insurance, but that is what it is for. I personally might do things differently, but I am a mechanic and industry savvy. I do not want to mislead the inexperienced from afar on an internet forum that..."all you gota do is...". That would be ethically wrong of me in this situation.

shankyyy you asked for opinions, but the decision is ultimately yours.