Bent rear LCA, can I fix or should I replace?

link3721 · Jul 26, 2011

So after tackling some good off-roading earlier this month, I've been fixing up the damage I did to my Patriot. After taking my Patriot to the dealer for an inspection after I returned from my adventures, they informed me that my left rear LCA was bent (amongst other issues, most of which I already knew about from my self performed post off-roading inspection) and it could cause tire wear issues. Makes sense. Question is, can I just bend the thing back into shape and take it to an alignment shop to make sure they can get it back to the proper alignment? I know that if they can't I'll still need to replace the part, but I'm hoping to avoid spending $90 on a new control arm. Pic of the damage follows.

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=736&pictureid=4399

JamesNewJeep · Jul 26, 2011

Bending things like that back in shape is probably not a good idea. Take a paper clip and bend it one way. Bend the opposite way. Do this a few times and it will snap. I know it is not a scientific way to look at your problem, but it makes the case, I think. With your safety and the safety of others in mind. Just replace it.

link3721 · Jul 26, 2011

Yeah, I know about fatigue, but I figured I might be able to get away with it once.

mrg455 · Jul 26, 2011

link,
I'm not an expert by any means, so please take this with a grain of salt, but like james said, once its bent, i would think it would first (always be a little off, even with alignments) second be proned to bend with relative ease (off road, or high stress driving) there is a reason insurance companies total cars with bent frames

link3721 · Jul 26, 2011

Okay, looks like I'm replacing then (and getting one of those lifetime alignments while I'm at it). I need to make a separate post describing all the damage I did and how it convinced me to get some upgrades before I go out again.

audio-neon · Aug 21, 2011

mrg455 said:
link,
I'm not an expert by any means, so please take this with a grain of salt, but like james said, once its bent, i would think it would first (always be a little off, even with alignments) second be proned to bend with relative ease (off road, or high stress driving) there is a reason insurance companies total cars with bent frames

A frame can be bent 3 times in the same area... That is the rule of thumb they teach in Frame repair class in college, and it is the standard... Ironically the metal doesn't break because it is more malleable, but because it looses malleability. I just wanted to point that out and correct a very common misconception...

As far as the original question, even with experience with bending frames and metal, I would shy away from ever repairing any suspension component, they are high stress points and their malleability (the ability to bend and return to original shape) once compromised can never be fixed. Even if you were to repair the control arm back to factory specs, even if you managed a 0mm repair (as on 100% factory spec) the component would never respond to flex the same.

I could see trying to save hundreds of dollars, but at 90$ it would be cost effective to just replace it rather than to find yourself getting a tow and repair down the road. Especially if you and your jeep will be off-roading again.

todde702 · Aug 22, 2011

From looking at the picture, only the one side of the C channel is bent, and it doesn't look like it deformed the top portion where the 90 Deg. bends are. A minor dent from my perspective. I'd say have the alignment checked and if it's not off, or can be corrected, why worry.

link3721 · Aug 22, 2011

todde702 said:
From looking at the picture, only the one side of the C channel is bent, and it doesn't look like it deformed the top portion where the 90 Deg. bends are. A minor dent from my perspective. I'd say have the alignment checked and if it's not off, or can be corrected, why worry.

Technically, the arm is now buckled and has a weak spot. I agree with audio-neon about the suspension being a critical component.

I need to get around to fixing it, just haven't done it yet. I don't drive very much (work and back, about 12 miles a day) so I haven't been too worried. I'm also trying to figure out if I'll be able to get the coil lift soon, so I can just do everything at once and only get one alignment instead of two.

heckler · Aug 24, 2011

only $90?

If you want to play, you've got to pay. Be safe on the road.

Bent rear LCA, can I fix or should I replace?

link3721

JamesNewJeep

link3721

mrg455

link3721

audio-neon

todde702

link3721

heckler

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities