something had snapped

1998 MAZDA 323
114,000 MILES
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CLAIRE1984
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i went over a speed bump earlier and i heard a snap- after driving a few hundred yards i heard a grinding noise coming from the back passenger tyre. I immediatly got out to investigate and I can see a small metal pipe running off the inside of the tyre- it seems to be jammed there as there is no movement. What is this pipe and what has happened to the car?
May 20, 2013 at 5:12 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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That could be a sway bar, strut rod or most anything. The vehicle should be towed to a shop for inspection as it is likely unsafe to drive.
May 20, 2013 at 5:58 AM
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CLAIRE1984
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dont know if these will help pictures are of whatever is rubbing of the wheel
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May 20, 2013 at 7:04 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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That looks like a sway bar but that car is severely rusted out and probably shouldn't be on the road.
May 20, 2013 at 7:09 AM
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CLAIRE1984
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it has a years full mot though? have bought new shocks as they needed replaced and just replaced the exhaust-only got the car several weeks ago
May 20, 2013 at 7:11 AM