ouch... ('02 wrx wagon)

[-rick-]

After a rare snowfall I couldn't resist some parking lot "limit testing" and
like a doofus slid into a curb with the right front wheel. It appears that
the lower control arm (proper term?) has collapsed a bit and allowed the
whole strut and wheel assembly to shift back about an inch. I hope that's
the extent of it.

Any advise on approximate cost or whether this is a job for a Subaru dealer
vs. a body shop would be appreciated.

thanks

 

[Alan Peterman]

After a rare snowfall I couldn't resist some parking lot "limit testing" and
like a doofus slid into a curb with the right front wheel. It appears that
the lower control arm (proper term?) has collapsed a bit and allowed the
whole strut and wheel assembly to shift back about an inch. I hope that's
the extent of it.

Any advise on approximate cost or whether this is a job for a Subaru dealer
vs. a body shop would be appreciated.

Any decent body shop should be able to do this repair as it's a common thing for
the suspension to get damaged in crashes. It'll need some parts replaced, maybe
some "frame/body" bending and a good alignment.

We also had some snow today and I got to play a bit with my WRX wagon, but I was
real careful to not get near any curbs. In fact after just 20 minutes and one
little 5 mile round trip I realized I wanted the car safely in the garage since
it was just too slippery out there to risk it for no reason.

 

[-rick-]

"Alan Peterman" wrote ...

Any decent body shop should be able to do this repair as it's a common thing for
the suspension to get damaged in crashes. It'll need some parts replaced, maybe
some "frame/body" bending and a good alignment.

We also had some snow today and I got to play a bit with my WRX wagon, but I was
real careful to not get near any curbs. In fact after just 20 minutes and one
little 5 mile round trip I realized I wanted the car safely in the garage since
it was just too slippery out there to risk it for no reason.

OK, rub it in a little... at least I can serve as a bad example for others.
;-)

The dealer wants $225 plus $160 for install and allignment.
subaruparts.com wants $189 with shipping. It looks fairly straightforward.
I'm tempted to get a shop manual, try the install myself, and then get a
proper allignment. Any one with specific knowledge have a reason to talk me
out of it? Thanks for the reply btw.

-rick-