If your car pulls after a curb hit, a tie rod, control arm or wheel may be bent, or the alignment may have shifted. Stop driving at highway speeds and get it checked, because bent parts wear tires fast and can fail.
Key takeaways
- Look for tire bulges and a bent wheel.
- Alignment and parts both matter.
- Do not wait.
What the curb did
A curb hit transfers force into the wheel, steering and suspension. Tie rods and control arms bend, and wheels can crack.
What to check
Look at the tire sidewall for bulges, check for wheel bends, and see whether the steering wheel sits straight.
Why alignment alone fails
If parts are bent, alignment cannot fix them. Parts need to be straightened or replaced first.
Tire wear
A misaligned car wears tires quickly. Replacing tires without fixing the cause wastes money.
Structure
A hard hit can also move the mounting points on the body. Measuring tells.
Is it the alignment, a part or the structure
Three different problems can produce the same symptom. Alignment drift is the simplest: the angles changed but nothing is bent. A bent part, such as a tie rod or control arm, prevents alignment from being set properly. A shifted structure moves the mounting points and makes both of them wrong.
A technician can tell them apart by inspecting parts, measuring angles and measuring the underbody if needed.
What not to do
Do not keep driving for weeks hoping it will settle. Do not replace the tire and move on. Do not accept an alignment on a car with a bent part, because the alignment will not hold.
If the curb hit was hard enough to scrape the wheel or sidewall, assume something is bent until proven otherwise. Our free estimate includes a look at the front end. Call (408) 243-2530 and tell us what you hit.
Get a free estimate in Santa Clara
Questions about steering & suspension? Read our Steering & Suspension page, call (408) 243-2530, or send photos through the estimate form. International Auto Center Body Shop, 1499 Lincoln St, Santa Clara, CA 95050. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive?
Short, slow trips. Get it checked.
Can I fix it with alignment?
Not if parts are bent.
Is it covered by insurance?
Collision coverage may apply.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the parts.