Steering wheel off center, car makes loud groaning noise whenever decelerating or turning right.

Tiny
SETHR266
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE
I was on the interstate on my way home from work in my 1996 Jeep Cherokee. It was raining pretty terribly, and I ended up swerving out, spinning to the right side and sliding the left end of my car into a guard rail, pretty much totalling the left headlight and taillight. I thought this was all of the damage, until I started driving the car. The steering wheel is out of alignment, as it's now permanently turned 90 degrees to the left, so when I'm driving straight it's completely horizontal and facing the left. Also, whenever I decelerate or take a right turn, my car makes an awful, loud groaning/grinding noise. Any idea what I could have possibly done to my car?

PS. I also can't close my trunk now, either.
Thursday, August 8th, 2013 AT 2:47 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
You have done some serious suspension damage and should not drive it at all. Have it towed to the repair shop to determine the extent of the damage and the safety risks.
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Thursday, August 8th, 2013 AT 3:11 PM
Tiny
SETHR266
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I know it's pretty vague, but do you have any estimate as do how much I may end up spending on repairs?
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Thursday, August 8th, 2013 AT 3:16 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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I have no clue what you may have damage and to what extent but it has to be substantial for the steering wheel to be off that much.
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Thursday, August 8th, 2013 AT 3:19 PM
Tiny
SETHR266
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Wonderful. I may be better off just saving up for a new car, then. Thank you for your help.
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Thursday, August 8th, 2013 AT 3:20 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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No, have it looked at. You don't know how bad it is and I can't tell you so don't assume anything and get it looked at.
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Thursday, August 8th, 2013 AT 3:23 PM
Tiny
SETHR266
  • MEMBER
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Oh, I'm definitely still getting it looked at, I just have a bad feeling.
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Thursday, August 8th, 2013 AT 3:33 PM

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