Possible cracked frame

[97_Raptor]

For the past couple months or so, my front end has been making creaking sounds when you break, go over bumps, just move slowly in general. Anyways, i had it checked out and low and behold, they told me I had a crack in the frame and the sounds were it flexing.

So now what I'm asking from all you body shoppers or weilders how much do you estimate this to cost to fix? Also, how much would a full color change from red to black cost to paint the car?

 

[Rex2342]

I think DSM's (1g and 2g) are unibody cars? They don't really have a "frame" to speak of. The whole body of the car is one piece and the suspension attatch's to that instead of a frame.

 

[JayRolla]

I think DSM's (1g and 2g) are unibody cars? They don't really have a "frame" to speak of. The whole body of the car is one piece and the suspension attatch's to that instead of a frame.

Correct. They are unibodys. Meaning if it is cracked the only thing i see him doing is welding it back together. How much did the shop say to fix it if it is even fixable. They might be trying to get some money out of yea.

 

[97_Raptor]

I took it to Big O because I thought it was suspension related so they couldn't give me a quote. I thought about taking it somewhere else to see if they say the same thing because I don't think the cars been wrecked and I've never hit anything hard that would cause a crack.

I've had the car for 3 yrs so since the problem is just now surfacing, I don't really believe it's the frame(uniframe), but who knows.

 

[TheRealist]

Have you lowered your car? have you lubricated your ball joints?

 

[97_Raptor]

Everythings stock on the car and no, I've never lubed them. I thought it was the balljoints and told Big O to check them, but they told me it was the crack. The sound ONLY comes from the front/right side. This is why I suspect them just didn't check and made up some bullcrap story.

 

[97_Raptor]

Took it to Pep Boys and they found the problem. It's the rack & pinion or something like that. They quoted labor to be $300, but have no clue how much the actual parts are.

Anyone know how much something like this should cost?

 

[toybreaker]

May I strongly suggest you take your vehicle to a competent front end specialist?

Just ask your local high end shops who they use for alignments.

I think you'll find that most of the shops will use the same guy, as they can't afford to have any issues with their customers cars. There's always one guy who has gotten it done for everybody, without drama, or excuses,... everyday for the last 30 years. He's your guy, and he'll take care of you.

Suspension issues aren't anything to take lightly, or repair haphazardly. I'm not saying the chain store guys can't do it...

I'm just saying that there's guys that do nothing but work on unibody/suspension/alignment stuff for a living, and they can generally diagnose the problem correctly, and fix it right the first time.

And, they buy better parts...IMHO...

 

[97_Raptor]

What do you mean by high end stores?

 

[toybreaker]

I'm sorry, let me clarify.

I've found that some of the best service/repairs is done by the old guys that all us oldtimers use on our own cars, and for problem solving.

To find these guys, just go to where the nice cars are being serviced, and ask the service writer who they use for sub-contract alignment and front end repairs.

People who work on mercedes, bmw, porsche and the like don't tolerate excuses or shoddy work. They will use the best sub-contracters in your area, and will know who is capable, cost effective, and above all honest with their customers.

Whenever I'm traveling and I have issues out of state, I can usually find the go to guy in just a few phone calls to the local proffesionals.

You can also ask the reputable parts stores in your area who they would recomend. They see what people order, (and return) on a daily basis, so they get a different perspective.

I'm not knocking chain stores, I'm sure there's some smart guys there.

It's just that most of the good guys will get hired away to a facility that can get them the best possible work, at the highest possible wage.

My experience has been that the best guys will be found at an independent, locally owned business that has been around forever.

And, as an added bonus, the same guy will be behind the counter, and the same guy will be turning wrenches there five years down the road. They remember customers, and their cars.

If you treat them right, they'll be there for you, and will treat you right everytime.

As an aside, please ask them to show you what's actually wrong with your car. They will appreciate the interest, and will explain/show you the problem, so you can be involved in the repair desicions. You will feel better knowing what was REALLY wrong, and what they did to repair it.

 

[97_Raptor]

Thanks, will do.

 

[97_Raptor]

Just a quick question, if it was the Rack & Pinion, would I be able to steer/drive the car? The poping/creaking is coming from the right tire area, plus, it shimmys in the front when you take off at low speeds around a corner from a dead stop.