2003 Chevy Impala what can it be?

2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA
125,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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MRSMITH3499
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  • 3 POSTS
i drove into a pot hole and now i cant move my front passenger tire and its stuck againts the back wheel well what can it be
Jan 18, 2010 at 6:11 PM
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ERNEST CLARK
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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When you say "I can't move my front passenger tire", do you mean that you turn the steering wheel but that wheel doesn't move??? What about the driver's side wheel???

If your wheel has moved out of its normal position (weather the steering wheel moves it or not), then you could've broken a tie rod, control arm, hub/steering knuckle and/or axle.

Unless you're a mechanic, then there's absolutely nothing you could do other than take it to a shop. If you want to jack up your car and remove the wheel, you can describe to me everything you see. That way I could give you an idea of the work and prices you'll be facing.

At least you'll be armed with some ammunition in case you run into a dishonest mechanic. Which there are a hole lot of out there!!!
Jan 18, 2010 at 9:38 PM
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MRSMITH3499
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ok the only thing i can see that may be wrong is there is thin bar that snapped in half so im not sure if that is the tie rod, but the driver side tire moves fine its just the passenger side that wont move at all...
Jan 19, 2010 at 11:08 AM
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ERNEST CLARK
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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Yes, that's your tie rod. And if you hit a pothole hard enough to snap that metal bar in half, then you definitely bent something else.

You'll have to take it to an alignment shop. Sorry. But make sure you find one honest enough to give you a free estimate. Then you could get back with me with their repair order and prices. I'll let you know if it's a fair deal.
Jan 19, 2010 at 1:11 PM
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MRSMITH3499
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i want to thank you for taking the time in helping me out with issue. i got a ruff estimate of what it may cost for the tie rod to be replaced and the sway bar. for the tie rod its about $40 and the sway bar is $175 with the labor being around $200-225 im not sure if thats a good deal or not let me know thanks.
Jan 20, 2010 at 11:09 AM
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