How do I know if the chassis is bad/bent? What signs should I look for? My car has been in a accident before I bought it and I want to make sure the frame ain't screwed up.

Thanks,
Matt

 

I would suggest having a unibody repair expert look at it. Other than that I really don't know...maybe listen for strange sounds when cornering hard.

 

You could also try having a friend follow you while you drive and watch the car for obvious signs of chassis problems, like dog tracking. Collision shop would be the best place for diagnosis.

 

Set back and thrust angle (being positive or neg will cause dog tracking) alignment angles can clue you in to any problems. measure from the torque arm mounts in the rear cross chassis to the front subframe. Both diagonals should be the same length.

 

Whats "dog tracking"? I'm going to go to a body shop eventually, sooner if the chassis is screwed.
Thanks for the replies.

Matt

 

Have you ever seen a car or truck (alot of vans have the problem) where the back was more to the right/left the the front going in a straight line?? That is dogtracking and its caused by an positive or negative thrust angle. Rear end collisions will cause this along with a misaligned rear if its independant. Solid rears can't be adjusted (toe & sometimes camber).

 

Thanks. Duh I should have known that. O well.
The car looks like the possibilty of front collision, particularly bthe driverside. My fenders don't line up with the doors. The strut tower also looks dented, sort like it was hammered out. I posted on the body board. Heres the link: https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=163403

Thanks again.

Matt