Rear wheel got hit and now titled
 

Hi,

I've been a victim of a hit-and-run and now my driver side rear wheel is pushed in (negative camber position). It's only slightly tilted. I looked under the car to assess the damage but no rods were bent. I haven't had the chance to jack up the car. What could possibly be the cause of tilting here? It's an 1999 LX Accord. I'd appreciate any help! Thanks!

Also, it drives fine(30mph) with no noise, no vibration, and no steering problems.


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RE: Rear wheel got hit and now titled
 

it looks like it is in quite a bit,,,,,,i am sure something is definatelly bent, if you cannot see anything with the naked eye ,( control arms) might be a good idea to have car aligned ..then according to the result the shop would have a good idea of what is bent

RE: Rear wheel got hit and now titled
 

Have you reported it to your insurance company? If you have "uninsured motorist" coverage, the deductible should be only $200. Your insurance company will also find the best way to fix it at the lowest cost as well.

RE: Rear wheel got hit and now titled
 

Look at the inboard end of the control arms & links. Sometimes what bends isn't the link, it's the bracket (part of the car) that it's mounted to.

RE: Rear wheel got hit and now titled
 

For a camber issue like that, the first thing I would be looking at is the upper control arm.

RE: Rear wheel got hit and now titled
 

Thanks for everyone's advice!

I just got off the phone with the front desk person at the shop -- can't reach the mechanic and my insurance agent right now. Unfortunately, I was told the car has been declared totaled! Wow, just unbelievable! Besides the tilted tire, the driver side door was dented(not terribly) and the plastic trim came off. But, that is all! I didn't think it was heavily damaged enough to be totaled!

According to KBB, NADA, and Edmunds, the replacement value is at least $6000. Would fixing the dented door, replacing the plastic trim, and replacing a "possibly bent" control arm cost more than $3000? And, I don't even need the dent fixed. I'm just concerned about the tiled wheel. I probably won't hear from the agent or mechanic until Monday. Anyway, here's the picture of the damaged side of the car.

RE: Rear wheel got hit and now titled
 

They probably say it is totalled because they fear once the shop "tears down" the car they will find more damage that is unknown at this time. They are probably also afraid of frame damage. Plussome insurance companies apparently just think it is easier to "total" cars. I have seen other companies "total" cars for what seemed like a ridiculously small repair. Ask them for an estimate for the repairs (they have to do an estimate to declare the car totalled.)
Let me guess.....your insurance company is Progressive correct?