Diagnosis?
03-17-08, 01:57 PM
#1
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Diagnosis?
I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.
A year or so ago I was dumb enough to let my girlfriend drive my rx-7. Needless to say, she crashed it. She lost control on a turn and had a side impact with a dumpster (im still not sure exactly how she did this). To make matters worse, i had just spent ALOT of money replacing the engine (it only has probably has less thab 1200 miles on it now, the engine that is). Anyways, I am trying to figure exactly why the right rear wheel is tilted out as much as it is. A friend of mine suggested it was the toe control arm. Below are some pictures. Let me know what you guys think...
Sorry about the size of these photos...
A year or so ago I was dumb enough to let my girlfriend drive my rx-7. Needless to say, she crashed it. She lost control on a turn and had a side impact with a dumpster (im still not sure exactly how she did this). To make matters worse, i had just spent ALOT of money replacing the engine (it only has probably has less thab 1200 miles on it now, the engine that is). Anyways, I am trying to figure exactly why the right rear wheel is tilted out as much as it is. A friend of mine suggested it was the toe control arm. Below are some pictures. Let me know what you guys think...
Sorry about the size of these photos...
Last edited by miester; 03-17-08 at 02:25 PM.
03-17-08, 02:58 PM
#2
Racecar - Formula 2000
I can't tell from those photos. I can't get an overall perspective on it.
My suggestion would be to get the rear up on the stands, and then compare LH to RH. Whatever on the right is not a mirror image of the left is probably bent.
Dave
My suggestion would be to get the rear up on the stands, and then compare LH to RH. Whatever on the right is not a mirror image of the left is probably bent.
Dave
03-17-08, 03:15 PM
#3
It's hard to say, but from your final picture it looks as though the bolt that holds the toe link in place is broken off.
when it comes to the suspension of these cars, it's stupid to take risks. I'd suggest having a shop check it out, you'll probably need new rear tow links and trailing arms.
when it comes to the suspension of these cars, it's stupid to take risks. I'd suggest having a shop check it out, you'll probably need new rear tow links and trailing arms.
03-17-08, 03:22 PM
#4
Racecar - Formula 2000
It's hard to say, but from your final picture it looks as though the bolt that holds the toe link in place is broken off.
when it comes to the suspension of these cars, it's stupid to take risks. I'd suggest having a shop check it out, you'll probably need new rear tow links and trailing arms.
when it comes to the suspension of these cars, it's stupid to take risks. I'd suggest having a shop check it out, you'll probably need new rear tow links and trailing arms.
Dave
03-17-08, 04:06 PM
#5
Racing Rotary Since 1983
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the lower longitudinal link looks like it is bent in... it is hard to tell from the pics. the upper toe link is just at an angle because the upright/wheel is in an unusual position. can you post a pic to the lower longitudinal link?
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figures. Did you ever find a louder exhaust for it? If you want to trade, I have an HKS Super Dragger on mine which is louder than the RB Dual Tip you have.
03-17-08, 07:19 PM
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^^^Actually that is just what i tried to do early today. It didnt seem to work. Its almost as if its pushing outwards from where the toe control bar connects (i dont see how this is possible though). Is there a rear castor adjustment cam (yes i realize the rear wheels dont have steering)?
Im going to try adjust the camber again (i hope its that simple!)...
Im going to try adjust the camber again (i hope its that simple!)...
Last edited by miester; 03-17-08 at 07:35 PM.
03-17-08, 08:07 PM
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I just re-adjusted the camber, and it seemed to help quite a bit, but this time i adjusted the bolt all the way in (the opposite than as in the photo) instead of to the center. Although much better it still is a bit strange (the toe side is still sticking out a little), but it is not fish-tailing like it was. Thank you for getting me to re-examine it!
I need to post some pictures of the body damage. I suppose damage to the front fender is easy to deal with. I have no idea how one goes about fixing body damage to that area by the wheel well...
I need to post some pictures of the body damage. I suppose damage to the front fender is easy to deal with. I have no idea how one goes about fixing body damage to that area by the wheel well...
Last edited by miester; 03-17-08 at 08:29 PM.
03-17-08, 08:24 PM
#13
Maybe try taking some measurements from the left side and see how they compare to the right. I would just go ahead and replace or upgrade any suspension parts which may be questionable. Also look close at the subframe mounting points to make sure they dont look bent. Check the rim over well for cracks too if you hadn't already.
I have some of the stock rear suspension parts off my car with low miles if you are interested, check out the thread.
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=736165
I have some of the stock rear suspension parts off my car with low miles if you are interested, check out the thread.
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=736165
03-17-08, 08:38 PM
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I just edited my above post but i will reiterate. Luckly it was mainly the camber (i had to put it on the most severe setting and its still not right, but far better)...
After i get this suspension 100% i "only" have to fix the body (any ideas on how to fix the rear body damage) !
After i get this suspension 100% i "only" have to fix the body (any ideas on how to fix the rear body damage) !
03-17-08, 08:43 PM
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03-17-08, 08:56 PM
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The best way to fix the body damage would be to cut out the entire rear fender and weld a new one on. If you want to try to salvage what you have, you're going to need to weld studs onto the fender, connect a slide hammer and pull it back into shape. You might also try hitting it with a rubber mallet to bend it back in. It's going to be a lot of work this way. A frame shop might be able bend it back better and faster than you can do it.
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