Hit a pothole pretty hard and damaged something

[Ample Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ample]

Hi.

I recently hit a pothole with the front left wheel and seem to have damaged something on my diesel 120 series Prado. When I turn the steering left, I get a tightness and a groaning / grinding sound at certain points during the turn. I have checked under the wheel area / wheel arch and cannot see any visible damage. The groaning / grinding sound seems to come from under the sump guard.

I would really appreciate if someone can guide me as to what is is that I could have damaged.

Many thanks in advance.

[new2prados Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close new2prados]

Re: Hit a pothole pretty hard and damaged something

Sounds like a steering arm is bent within the steering rack. Check the small arm that connects to the front hub (visible from the front of the vehcle).

[Ample Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ample]

Re: Hit a pothole pretty hard and damaged something

I finally took the car to a local mechanic and he managed to sort out the problem by greasing the suspension arm bushes and the bump stop bushes. He said the bushes were brittle. I am wondering if the problem was exaggerated because I took the car into extreme mud which really clogged the underneath of the car. Thereafter we gave the entire underneath a high pressure wash (which may have removed grease from bushes and other components).