I am a novice repairman and was replacing a strut on my 2000 Accord when I damaged the steering knuckle with my sawsall. Yes, my sawsall. The strut was so rusted that I had to cut it to get it out. So, I cut maybe 1/8 of inch into the steering knuckle and am wondering if that a serious problem and what I should do about it, if anything. Also, what would happen if this part ends up breaking? Thanks.

 

I'd probably replace it; granted Honda probably erred on the side of caution and overbuilt the part, then again, from the picture, it looks like the part is compromised just enough that when you *really* need it, say during an emergency maneuver, it might could well fail.

 

I'd err on the side of caution and replace it too. If the knuckle breaks, then you tire will not be held into place and you could hurt yourself or someone else in an accident.

 

That type of notch is a crack initiator for sure. It will fail at some point. You don't want to see how long it will last! Find a good used part. Check car-part.com and search for local salvage yards.

good luck

 

Makes me nervous too. It'll probably last somewhere between 2 weeks & 2 years but it'll be an exciting ride when it does break.

 

A little cut is like a crack which might keep growing. It's your life and the lives of others that are at risk.

 

Be careful replacing rusted parts with shiny new ones...you might just keep replacing them till all the rust is gone

 

Just me and my bad eyes......that cut looks to be on the cover of the abs sensor wire

 

Notice what looks to be a gap just to the left of where the "cut" was made.......

 

Heh... I think Poorman's right. Verify that, and if so all you need to do is make sure it didn't cut the wire underneath.