Front wheel axle is smashed

Tiny
CPRICE
  • MEMBER
  • 1985 MAZDA RX7
Suspension problem
1985 Mazda RX7 Two Wheel Drive Manual 100000 miles

I have just bought a mazda rx7 that had been in a wreck and the drivers side front wheel is smashed into the axle. I feel that I only need to bang out the quarter panel and realign the wheel. Can this type of repair be done?
Sunday, May 18th, 2008 AT 1:02 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
AIRSOFTSOLDRECN9
  • MEMBER
  • 348 POSTS
Well that really depends. You need to take a very good look at the axle housing, particularly the steering knuckle, ball joint and struts. Compare this to the other side of the car. It should be a mirror image. If the cast iron is bent then basically you have two options. The first is to go with an offset balljoint but cast iron is very brittle and will become extremely weak if it is fractured, cracked or bent beyond the original casting. You will need to be concerned with structural integrity. Your second option is to go and find a front axle. The dealership might find you a brand new one but you will be calling quite a few junk yards if you don't want to invest 5,000 right off the bat. If the frame is bent you will need to straighten it with a powerful hydraulic ram or some cutting and welding. If all these checks are ok and just the front fender is smahed then you can try fixing it but your time is better spent buying a new fender and having it painted. They usually range around $400 with only primer.
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Sunday, May 18th, 2008 AT 2:12 AM

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