Steering issues

[JTFG]

Hi guys,

Story is, a car got to close to mine while driving and I swerved a bit to avoid getting to close to this car, but due to me swerving I accidentally drove up on the gutter/curb for a second roughly on the front left wheel I think.
After this happened I noticed that my steering is heavier and that the steering doesn't self center as well now.

I was just wondering if anyone might have an idea what I might of damaged and will need somewhere new to take my car to get it looked/repaired as my current mechanic isn't around (no idea whats happening)
Was hoping that a suspension shop would be ideal for this as I'm hoping to get my shocks replaced to in the future.

The car is a AUII Fairmont and would need somewhere around the Outer Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne (such as Croydon and etc)

Thank you

[brad`]

u would have thrown your wheel alignment out by the sounds of it.

when driving if u let go off the wheel does it pull to one side ? (noticably)
If so any automotive place (mechanic) will be able to do an alignment places like pedders should be able to do one as well if its a big enough store

[Mr Hardware]

believe you me, you ain't the first person who's bitten a gutter under necessity

first port of call, take it to your local bob jane/tyrepower/jax/quickfit/beaurepaires etc
tell em you hit a gutter
tell em to check it out an do an alignment
they'll possibly get it right first go, if not they'll be able to tell you you've bent something
usually all for the cost of an alignment.

[JTFG]

Thanks for the replies!

Well the car already needed a wheel alignment so it's hard to tell, but as mentioned it just feels heavier the steering.

But I'll contact Pedders (one which has good feedback from a friend) and do what was recommended and hope for the best.

thanks once again.

[svo supporter]

The most common thing I see bent as a result of driving up a gutter, is the rackend.

As for it not self centring as a result. That's nothing to do with it being knocked out of alignment. That's a result of something getting bent.

[AMB]

Bent out of alignment might be better choice of words? 1-2mm makes a heap of difference.

[svo supporter]

Originally Posted by AMB

Bent out of alignment might be better choice of words? 1-2mm makes a heap of difference.

Depends what's you're referring to being bent out of alignment. The toe won't effect self centring. If the cars driving straight, it can't be a Caster or camber problem.

[JTFG]

Hmm interesting!

Well it does self centre but not very quick at times, but does the job!

Thought I'd ask again just incase before I try'n book my car in if there's any highly recommended suspension places in the Outer east of Melbourne as I'm hoping to get my shocks done to, unless if Pedders is recommended.

Just don't wanna get ripped off of course