Hit a curb...had a flat, steering wheel not aligned
 

Hi:

I hit a curb at 20-25 mi/hr and immedieately the left front tire had a flat (the kind that can not be repaired [&:]. I installed a full size spare that I had in my trunk but noticed that now my steering wheel is crooked ie if I were to striaghten my steering wheel the car goes to the left. I have let the steering wheel go at the freeway speed and also while braking and my car doesNOT 'pull' in any direction. I definitely have to get the wheels balanced (at least the ones on the left- driver side) what else could be wrong? Even if the car does not pull could my alignment be off and will getting the alingment fix the steering wheel? Do I need to worry about suspension or any other components? Thanks...

RE: Hit a curb...had a flat, steering wheel not aligned
 

You probably bent something like a tie rod. Worst case damage to steering rack. It definately will need an alignment along with any repairs for bent parts. Do you have any warning lights on like the SRS light or airbag light? If so then you might have knocked the steering wheel module out of calibration. If you take it to a shop just tell them to check the steering since you hit a curb. I'm pretty sure you bent the outer tie rod.

RE: Hit a curb...had a flat, steering wheel not aligned
 

No SRS light but yesterday and a day or two after I hit the curb my "ABS" light came on and stayed on for a while but went away...Thanks for you reply.

RE: Hit a curb...had a flat, steering wheel not aligned
 

The spare could be low on pressure too. Check that first.

Curbing a tire hard enough to damage it could easily damage a tie rod too.

RE: Hit a curb...had a flat, steering wheel not aligned
 

definitely get the whole front end looked at and dont ride on that spare too long

RE: Hit a curb...had a flat, steering wheel not aligned
 

Thank you all for your kind replies. It is in the shop being looked at...