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Impact damage

Tiny
RAP73
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 MERCEDES BENZ CLK230
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 60,000 MILES
My wife was forced off a country road by an oncoming car. She has a CLK200 AMG which is probably not important.
Apparently, she went off a sharp tarmac edge onto the verge with a large bang before she could get it back on the road surface.
The wheel/tire looks undamaged but the car drives like it has a bent disc.
On inspection, the front n/side wheel rotates smoothly but stops at either 12 or 6 o'clock, depending on how fast you spin it. I use the AMG imprint as a marker.
I'm thinking (hoping) the track rod end is bent, hence the two binding spots.
A bent disc would be just one?
There is also an audible knock/play wobbling the wheel 12 to 6. Not audible 3 to 9.
I can't get it ramped (Xmas) so is it good to drive around town without making it worse?
Any help is much appreciated.
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Monday, December 20th, 2021 AT 8:26 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I wouldn't recommend driving it until a damage determination is made. If you have a wheel that is stopping when you spin it, make sure nothing is hitting the brake rotor backing plate. If you have play in the wheel, that leads me to believe there is wheel bearing damage.

As far as the tracking rod, I don't see how that would cause the wheel to bind unless it is hitting something. If you look under the vehicle, is there any evidence of where it hit?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, December 20th, 2021 AT 7:55 PM
Tiny
RAP73
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  • 7 POSTS
Hi Joe,

I can't ramp it so seeing anything under a car jack is difficult. The wheel spins freely enough, but always stops at 12 or 6, and light pressure on the brake makes it more pronounced.
If it's just the bearing, I'd consider that lucky. Maybe a silly question but do bearings get damaged that easily?
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Tuesday, December 21st, 2021 AT 1:07 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Chances are the stopping at 6 and 12 is the result of a slightly warped brake rotor. Especially since it gets worse when the brake is lightly applied. When you apply the brakes, do you notice any pulsation in the brake pedal or steering

As far as the bearing, they can usually take a lot of punishment. I'm not sure how hard it was hit under the vehicle, but when you indicated a loud bang, that sounded like she hit hard.

Is it possible for you to record and upload what you are seeing so I have a better understanding of what you are seeing and hearing?

Since you notice a wobble and click when checking the wheel at 6 and 12, are you sure a ball joint wasn't damaged?

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, December 21st, 2021 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
RAP73
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hi Joe,

Until I can ramp it, I will have no real idea. The clicking is when I manually wobble the wheel when off the ground.
Steering wheel vibration worsens directly with increasing speed, only on braking.
If the rotor stops in two places, wouldn't that indicate two warps? Is that even possible?
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Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021 AT 3:08 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I do feel that would indicate the rotor is warped. Also, it isn't odd to have it do that in two different places.

Since you are feeling it when the brakes are applied, I feel that is at least part of the problem. However, my biggest concern is the clicking you felt and heard.

Let me know when you have a chance to check that again to confirm. You may want to have a helper wiggle the wheel while you try to determine where the play is located.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
RAP73
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Thanks Joe,

I managed to get it on a ramp and MoT brake tester.
Clear warp on left rotor, minor one on right.
No visible signs of damage and the guy said the "play" I felt was of no consequence.
Bloody strange co-incidence because it drove perfectly before the off-road adventure.
I guess it's a pair of rotors and pads after Christmas for me!
Thanks for your time and advice.
Much appreciated!
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Thursday, December 23rd, 2021 AT 6:05 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I'm glad to hear that is all that's wrong. Also, I agree with you. It's odd this started after the incident. That really doesn't make sense.

Regardless, if possible, let me know if this takes care of the issue. Also, here is a link that shows in general how the front brakes and rotors are replaced. I don't know if you need them but thought I would add them as a guide in case.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-brake-pads-and-rotors-fwd

Take care of yourself and I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.

Joe
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Thursday, December 23rd, 2021 AT 9:54 PM
Tiny
RAP73
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Thanks Joe, really appreciate your help. I hope you and yours have a great Christmas.
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Thursday, December 23rd, 2021 AT 10:19 PM

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