Rear control arm hit the curb

[RevolutionLeast87]

Had an unfortunate situation where I hit a curb in a parking lot while making a right turn. I ran over the curb, and the rear control arm got scratched a bit.

What kind of rust-preventive paint should I use? I did the hands-off test and it seems like the alignment is okay. Is there anything else I should be on the lookout for?

 

[mountie]

Had an unfortunate situation where I hit a curb in a parking lot while making a right turn. I ran over the curb, and the rear control arm got scratched a bit.

What kind of rust-preventive paint should I use? I did the hands-off test and it seems like the alignment is okay. Is there anything else I should be on the lookout for?


View attachment 474346

Get a pint of Penetrol in the paint dept……. ( additive for oil based paints FYI )….. It will SEAL your metal scrapes.
Muscle car restorers uses it on parts with raw metal and slight rust, not being removed.

 

[Doubeleive]

rattle can black or por15? i think, basically anything that prevents exposure to air/water will work

 

[mountie]

.

 

[RevolutionLeast87]

Ok first time owning a truck-based SUV. All this terms are too much for me to digest in one go

I will go research all the options provided here and give DIY approach a try.

Is wheel alignment going to be an issue? Should I get alignment check or is that bit too much?

 

[OR VietVet]

An alignment check at least and do the alignment if out of spec. The hands off test may not show if out of spec at rear.

Next time.....Pay Attention to where you are going.

 

[swathdiver]

Even Rustoleum BBQ paint will work. Not an issue to leave it bare if you are in the south.

 

[Kpwweb]

Alignment shouldn’t be an issue as it looks like you just scraped it; doesn’t look like you bent it. However, if you never had an alignment since new, get it aligned. These trucks can be off significantly from the factory.

As far as covering the area, I have used Amsoil HD-MP, spray paint, POR-15, Rustoleum, lanolin (Fluid Film), Eastwood, Ziebart, and others. Just get something wax or oil-based, do not use rubberized undercoating, that is only for sound deadening and does not work well for rust prevention. I would probably reach for the Amsoil or Eastwood wax-based for this scrape. A google search for “Automotive anti rust” and you will find dozens.

 

[RevolutionLeast87]

Thanks all.

I will schedule wheel alignment check. This is indeed new truck and has 3000 miles. If I am taking the truck to dealer for alignment why not have them fix the scrape for rust as well? Thoughts?

While I do wheel alignment, should I also get oil changed?

 

[Doubeleive]

Thanks all.

I will schedule wheel alignment check. This is indeed new truck and has 3000 miles. If I am taking the truck to dealer for alignment why not have them fix the scrape for rust as well? Thoughts?

While I do wheel alignment, should I also get oil changed?

sure why not

 

[Protect1989]

Thanks all.

I will schedule wheel alignment check. This is indeed new truck and has 3000 miles. If I am taking the truck to dealer for alignment why not have them fix the scrape for rust as well? Thoughts?

While I do wheel alignment, should I also get oil changed?

You can, you’re just going to pay for not doing it yourself. Not a negative, just a fact.

Oil change wouldn’t hurt. Always good to do an oil change well before the 5,000 mark on new vehicles

 

[OR VietVet]

 

[Blackcar]

Thanks all.

I will schedule wheel alignment check. This is indeed new truck and has 3000 miles. If I am taking the truck to dealer for alignment why not have them fix the scrape for rust as well? Thoughts?

While I do wheel alignment, should I also get oil changed?

I would paint, repair first before having dealer align or have maintenance done I wouldn't want dealer putting on work order they repaired control arm on report. Which will eventually get on car fax report.

 

[RevolutionLeast87]

Excellent point. It would be bad if just painting a rear control arm is going to show up on the carfax report. I will check with dealer and act accordingly

 

[Blackcar]

Excellent point. It would be bad if just painting a rear control arm is going to show up on the carfax report. I will check with dealer and act accordingly

It won't be written up as simple as that (paint rear control arm) will probably show as repair rear control arm with opens report up to some type of accident. Which....

 

[OR VietVet]

Excellent point. It would be bad if just painting a rear control arm is going to show up on the carfax report. I will check with dealer and act accordingly

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT "check with the dealer and act accordingly". They do not need to know anything. If you want to do the oil change there, fine, but do the paint on the arm first. Have the alignment done at an independent shop and post the "before and after" alignment readings, HERE.

 

[mountie]

Get comfortable underneath…. file down the scrapes……. Penetrol as a good sealer…. spray paint ‘all around’ the area….. let it get a bit dirty……. no one will notice.

 

[OR VietVet]

Ok first time owning a truck-based SUV. All this terms are too much for me to digest in one go

I will go research all the options provided here and give DIY approach a try.

Is wheel alignment going to be an issue? Should I get alignment check or is that bit too much?

I see now why you ran up and over the curb. Not used to a longer wheel base. You either have to pull farther forward before turning or do a swing out and then turn.

 

[Doubeleive]

I run over the curb all the time lol, usually on purpose
I drive on sidewalks as well, often when making a right turn and there is a numbskull in the way

 

[89Suburban]

I run over the curb all the time lol, usually on purpose
I drive on sidewalks as well, often when making a right turn and there is a numbskull in the way

Or a stop sign!