Suspension issues following accident - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

12WhiteLS · 12-16-2014, 01:38 PM

I am having some handling issues with my car following an accident (and repairs) and I was wondering if anyone here has experienced similar issues or could give me some advice on diagnosing the problem. My car was hit (nearly T boned) in the rear left quarter panel a little over a year ago. A collision center certified by my insurance conducted repairs which appear to be only cosmetic (repair to rear left QTR, reconditioning of the wheel, and an alignment performed by the dealer). Since the accident/repairs my car’s handling has been off and hasn’t “felt the same”. The rear left suspension is stiff and the car feels uneven when going over bumps (rear left seems less planted). When going over a bump or pothole my steering wheel seems to shake or jerk to the left side. A few months after the accident I went back to the body shop and they suggested I have the dealership check the alignment. I’ve had the alignment checked several times but the dealer says everything is within specs. I know I should have been more proactive with my insurance company over this but life has gotten involved as it always does(new baby, new job, new school).

Has anyone had a similar experience and if so, what was the outcome?

Any suggestions on where to go next or what to have technicians check?

Thank you!

Dexman1349 · 12-16-2014, 03:06 PM

The issue with factory specs on alignments are that they have rather broad specifications that can be met but leave you with a horribly handling ride. I would suggest taking it to a reputable suspension specialty shop that is willing/able to really get it set right. The alignment will be a bit more expensive, but at least you know it will be done properly.

12WhiteLS · 12-16-2014, 06:36 PM

Thanks, that's good advice. are there any chains you can trust or are you talking about taking it to a vendor's shop? I've attached pictures of the damage and of my alignment sheet. When my car was hit, my service stabilitrak light went off and my car would not drive straight.

bannonm · 12-16-2014, 08:21 PM

Did the shop remove/replace any suspension components? Perhaps it needs to be reclocked. THere's several threads on here about what needs to be done. Anytime you replace things like springs, struts, etc. the suspension needs to be reset. Not having this done properly will definitely make the car handle poorly. Here's one link for reference.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=381328

WhtMaro5138 · 09-15-2019, 10:44 PM

12WhiteLS were you ever able to figure out what the issue was for this? I have the same issue with my 2017 RS after being hit around the same spot.

12-16-2014, 01:38 PM	#1
12WhiteLS Drives: 2012 Camaro 1LS M6 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NE FL Posts: 136	Suspension issues following accident I am having some handling issues with my car following an accident (and repairs) and I was wondering if anyone here has experienced similar issues or could give me some advice on diagnosing the problem. My car was hit (nearly T boned) in the rear left quarter panel a little over a year ago. A collision center certified by my insurance conducted repairs which appear to be only cosmetic (repair to rear left QTR, reconditioning of the wheel, and an alignment performed by the dealer). Since the accident/repairs my car’s handling has been off and hasn’t “felt the same”. The rear left suspension is stiff and the car feels uneven when going over bumps (rear left seems less planted). When going over a bump or pothole my steering wheel seems to shake or jerk to the left side. A few months after the accident I went back to the body shop and they suggested I have the dealership check the alignment. I’ve had the alignment checked several times but the dealer says everything is within specs. I know I should have been more proactive with my insurance company over this but life has gotten involved as it always does(new baby, new job, new school). Has anyone had a similar experience and if so, what was the outcome? Any suggestions on where to go next or what to have technicians check? Thank you!

12-16-2014, 03:06 PM	#2
Dexman1349 2010 2SS/RS M6 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS M6 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Auckland, NZ Posts: 1,482	The issue with factory specs on alignments are that they have rather broad specifications that can be met but leave you with a horribly handling ride. I would suggest taking it to a reputable suspension specialty shop that is willing/able to really get it set right. The alignment will be a bit more expensive, but at least you know it will be done properly. __________________ 2/7/2014: 419 hp, 419 tq Cosmetic: ZL1 front w/mailslot, painted stripes, powdercoated SS rims, tow hook, and full chrome delete Suspension: Pfadt subframe bushings, Pfadt rear UCA bushings, Z28 Upper control arms, Spohn trailing arms with BMR trailing arm & differential bushings, ZL1 Toe Rods and springs, Prothane radius arm inserts & steering rack bushing, Pfadt Sport front sway, FE4 conversion w/ DS rear sway, Pfadt strut brace Drivetrain: RMCR tune, CAI intake, Kooks headers, hi-flo cats & exhaust, VMAX TB, ZL1 fuel pump, LSR Tri-Ax shifter Bumblebee Racecar Build

12-16-2014, 06:36 PM	#3
12WhiteLS Drives: 2012 Camaro 1LS M6 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NE FL Posts: 136	Thanks, that's good advice. are there any chains you can trust or are you talking about taking it to a vendor's shop? I've attached pictures of the damage and of my alignment sheet. When my car was hit, my service stabilitrak light went off and my car would not drive straight. Attached Images

12-16-2014, 08:21 PM	#4
bannonm Drives: 2011 2SS/RS M6 VR Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 1,536	Did the shop remove/replace any suspension components? Perhaps it needs to be reclocked. THere's several threads on here about what needs to be done. Anytime you replace things like springs, struts, etc. the suspension needs to be reset. Not having this done properly will definitely make the car handle poorly. Here's one link for reference. http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=381328 __________________

09-15-2019, 10:44 PM	#5
WhtMaro5138 Drives: 2017 Camaro RS Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: CA Posts: 4	12WhiteLS were you ever able to figure out what the issue was for this? I have the same issue with my 2017 RS after being hit around the same spot.