Is driving this car dangerous?

cpu

R Reg Corsa, driven by a 17 year old (therefore probably fast I expect), was reversed into a kerb accidentally. Car now makes a groaning kind of sound and lad took it to one of the walk-in garages that's open on a Saturday (don't know what one) and he says he was told it was the 'hub axle' and the bearings. The back wheel does look as though it is at an angle, in at the bottom / out at the top slightly. They couldn't fix it there and then because of not having the parts.

He also says he was told it was dangerous to drive. Is this the case?

I said I'd help him out but he would need to borrow my car to get to work whilst I took his to the garage. I'm not sure if it IS dangerous or if he's just saying that so I'll help him. Anyone know about this type of damage? Also is it a costly repair?

blue_haddock

Yes it is dangerous - worse case scenario is the complete wheel and hub assembly could sheer off whilst driving.

cpu

Thanks blue_h, looks like he was telling me the truth then.

david29dpo

it sounds like the stub axle is bent or the whole arm. it is not fit to drive any great distance, the car will be going sideways and the tyre will scrub. i have found parts for corsas to be quite expensive.

steveo3002

wouldnt mind betting it was crashed/skidded into a kerb....reversing at normal speed wouldnt bend it and the car would bump up the kerb before bending it

cpu

Yes, I had strong suspicions it wasn't quite as simple as he was making out. He likes to think he's a good driver but he's anything but in my opinion and he's still at that new 'show off' stage unfortunately. He can be a foolish lad.

steveo3002

hope he's paying for repairs? a few hefty bills might make him slow down before he gets in bother

cpu

Definately. I said I would help him get the car to the garage etc as he has just recently started an apprenticeship and taking time off is frowned upon but I'm not helping him financially.

vaio

cpu wrote: »

Definately. I said I would help him get the car to the garage etc as he has just recently started an apprenticeship and taking time off is frowned upon but I'm not helping him financially.

And I’d be inclined NOT to lend him your car

greyteam1959

Leave the 'walk in ' garages alone they will charge you a much as they possibly can. The lads in them work on commission !!
Go to your local 'one man band' garage and you will get a much better deal.

cpu

vaio wrote: »

And I’d be inclined NOT to lend him your car

Actually I agree with you, I'm lending him it against my better judgement.