ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringWheels and Tires Diagnosis and RepairHard
A customer reports that after hitting a large pothole, their vehicle now pulls sharply to the right. Upon inspection, the technician notices that the left front wheel has excessive positive camber. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
- ADamaged strut tower
- BBent steering knuckle
- CBent tie rod
- DWorn lower control arm bushings
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Bent steering knuckle
A sharp pull to one side after an impact, combined with excessive positive camber on the opposite wheel, strongly suggests a bent component that directly controls camber. A bent steering knuckle is a common result of severe impact (like a pothole) that would cause such a change in camber.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A damaged strut tower (upper mount) could cause camber change, but it's less common to see 'excessive positive camber' on the *opposite* wheel from a direct impact unless the entire subframe shifted. A bent knuckle is a more direct and localized cause for the described symptoms.
- C. A bent tie rod primarily affects toe, not camber. While it would cause a pull, it wouldn't directly result in excessive positive camber.
- D. Worn lower control arm bushings would typically cause negative camber, not positive, and usually develop over time rather than suddenly after an impact.
Camber Change After Impact
A sudden alteration in a wheel's camber angle following a significant impact, often indicating bent suspension components.
- Positive camber: top of the wheel tilts outward.
- Negative camber: top of the wheel tilts inward.
- Pulls to the side with more positive camber (or less negative).
Memory trick: Pothole hit, positive camber, knuckle's bent, the car's not right!