The frame rails that run under my car are severely damaged. It's clearly obvious that one of the preivous owners didn't use the proper jaacking points. Can they be successfully replaced or fabricated?

Also, my DD just received new brake pads, but the left rear pad is loose and didn't auto-clamp or whatever and now it just rattles around over any slight bump. Will I need to take it apart and re-seat it or did I miss a procedure on that one?

 

You need a new rear caliper if the ratcheting parking brake adjusters aren't working. This is normal on old cars and if the rear caliper is compressed without rotating. You do use your parking brake everytime you park, right? and, you did bleed the brakes?

What does severly damaged mean with the frame? A little ding/imprint is nothing serious.

Post pictures.

 

No. I never use the parking brake and I am not sure of the last time the fluid was changed, although I am sure it should have been done at time of pad replacement. I just received the car from a family member who got another one. 75k miles 1992 celica auto. So I figure I'll bleed the brakes and replace the fluid when I get a chance to and see if that solves the problem, unless you suspect otherwise.

The frame rails I will try to get pictures of. To put it simply, both sides of the rails have been bent and crushed upwards and as a result the underside of the car. I can't tell from inside that there is any damage though.

 

Join the club. The previous owners of my cars managed to nicely dent the entire frame (likely from a combination of driving over stuff and jacks) as well as crush the stock jacking points and most of the pinch weld...

If it's not too severe, don't worry about it. A few dents and dings will not hurt. It COULD be repaired by a competant shop for some decent money, but it's probably not necessary at all.

 

I'm interested in that too - how much frame rail damage is too much?

-=Russ=-

 

Use the parking/e-brake! And, definitely bleed away.

 

Hard to say without pictures.

 

Fair enough. I'll see if I can get some when I get home.

Slightly smashed in a few places, some rust... it's been in the midwest too long.

-=Russ=-