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Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone could answer this:

The other day I was driving on a dirt road in a developing residential area visiting a buddy who lives on the developed side. Anyways, as I was driving I guess I hit some type of covered rock or what not cuz I heard a bump in the rear of my car. At first I thought oh %uck I dented it, but after checking there wasn't a dent at all. After taking a closer look at the rear suspension, I saw that the right suspension bar (i'm not sure if this is the name, its that angled rod that links into the wheel, symetric for both sides) had some paint scratched off, and this plastic cover for the bar came undone, which I snapped back into place.

The car rides fine, no problems at all. I'm just wondering if I should take this in to a dealer, or if its no big issue that can wait till I get my next checkup or oil change? Thanks.

-Jason

 
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If you have to ask a question like this I would take the car in to get checked....

We aren't there to see it and the experts can better help you.

 
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Take a pic of it. Are you talking about the lower control arm? Post pics and diagrams BTW Dirtesanchez we are here to help not bash each other.

 
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I realize the question may appear stupid to many people but for some of us we're here to get information that may save us a lot of time. I for one am a really busy person that works from 6am to about 6pm each day, so saving a trip to the dealer is a real big help.

I obviously know the option to take it to the dealer - thats a given. I just wanted to know if anyone who is pretty knowledgable on suspensions may have experienced a similar situation and could offer some advice.

Not all of us are car experts, so for those who are and help out people like me, thanks.

 
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It would seriously be helpful to see it (take a pic). If it's dented, I would suggest going in and having it looked at, because it could have also cracked. If it's just surface scratching (very light) then it's probably just the paint. But its still going to be difficult to determine the severity without someone looking at it in person. If the car rides fine and doesn't drift, then it might be something that can be held off until you go for oil (if it's coming up anyway). If it doesn't handle the same, I'd go in.

 
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R u still under warranty? Our cars shocks/struts go out before the warranty all the time...you mine as well bring it in and have them take a look...I'm willing to bet if you are over 18,000 miles, atleast one of your shocks are leaking fluid and needs to be replaced.

Matt

 
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It should probably be fine until the oil change check up. I would clean the scratched area and then cover with spray paint or touch up paint to try and prevent any rusting.

I also had a back shock go bad and had to wait a week and a half to get it due to the fact that they had to order it from Japan.

Plus I had it lowered at the time and they wouldn't do the work because I lowered it and voided the warrenty, but was able to get the part for free under warrenty and didn't note that I lowered the car. The shop guy hooked it up for me. I ended putting the stock springs back on until the warrenty is up.

 
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I know what you're referring to. It's the lower rear control arm. The ones that connect to the two points that rear tie bars span. It's nothing. If the paint is just scratched and that cover came off then it's nothing. If it's bent and/or cracked, or if you see any structural damage then it's a good idea to get that part replaced along with any other part that was damaged in that impact.