Re: Coupe rear suspension 'Question'

[ti@bazooka.amb.org (Ti Kan)]

Stamos Stamos writes:
> There is a thick axel that connects the two wheels, this had no
> apparent damage.

This is the main torsion crank axle beam.  It also contains a rod
inside that serves anti-sway functionality.

> There is also a 'stabiliser?', a diagonal bar 
> (much smaller than axel with a 'U' shape cross section) connected to
> the wheel/axel 'joint' at one side and the frame of the car on the other
> side.

This is known as the panhard rod.  It is there to help locate the rear
suspension, allowing up-and-down motion but preventing side-to-side
hop.

> This bar was visibly bent. This bar was to be replaced. When it
> was being replaced, during wheel alignment it was discovered that the axel
> was also bent.

The panhard rod can be damaged if there is enough body deformation to
cause its mounting position on the body side to shift.  This, in turn,
could exert stress on the axle beam, causing that to bend too.

> Now the insurance man contends that the axel, (and now the 'stabiliser bar
> as well) could not have been possibly damaged in a rear end collision.

I think they are trying to rip you off.  If the accident is severe
enough it can certainly cause damage to these components.

-Ti
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