A Minor accident

[bronzecover]

A couple of days ago, I was travelling, with passengers in a 64 traveller. Well after a corner, when I had straigthened the car, the wheel started to wobble violently, it slowed down but veered into the other lane, hit a bollard and then slowly rolled onto its side.

It rolled over so slowly that none of the windows were broke and the car looked like it was having a nap. They rolled it back over and only the driver's side wheel seemed to be pointing the other way.

A couple of point I would appreciate help on- why did this happen? Why did the wheel start to wobble?
What problems usually occur if a Minor goes on its side?
What will need to be fixed?

Thanks!!!!

[Alan Pearse]

Oops Possible cause is the ball joint on the end of steering rack breaking resulting in loss of steering, vibration you felt could have been just before the break, or it could have been the botton trunion collapsing again resulting in loss of steering. the car rolling on it's side was probably caused by the angle of the wheel and the momentum of the car hitting the bollard. Look out for bent chassis legs or front cross member, open the doors if they foul on the body work around suspect a bent body, check the engine as it's been on it's side make sure the water and oil have not mixed, vertical in line engines don't like being run on there sides, as they loose oil feed so also check for crank damage. loads more people will probaly give more advice if i've missed anything, but thats the basics to start with.

[bronzecover]

Thanks Alan,

Although I still haven't got the car, I remember a small oil leak on the road...

In terms of a bent chassis etc., do you think its the end of her? I can't bare the thought but would appreciate your adivce!

Are replacing or repairing chassis and steering etc. paticuarly expensive and invasive?

Thanks for replying

[bmcecosse]

Almost certainly the bottom trunnion has 'pulled out' (as mentioned above) - this is caused by lack of maintenance/lack of greasing. If the roll was gentle/no windows broken etc - I guess no major damage has been done. I assume the Insurance Co are dealing with the matter? When something like that happens - it's sometimes better to just STAMP on the brake pedal and put the car in to a 4 wheel slide........

[mike.perry]

If a trunnion has collapsed you will not have four wheels to slide on
Any photos?

[bronzecover]

Hi Guys,

My first car and no comprehensive insurance!!
I am about to pick up the car from the compound and will hopefully post the photos soon!

Thanks, in the mean time.

[bmcecosse]

How did it end up in a 'compound' ?? How will you get it out - if a trunnion has pulled out - or as you put it - the driver's front wheel is pointing the other way..... If the car was on it's side for any amount of time the engine oil will have run out - and the battery may have leaked acid - and the rear axle oil may have leaked out over the brake shoes. Check everything carefully.

[LouiseM]

Now for sale here: http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=41615

[dunketh]

Shame.

Bent chassis - are you really sure?
Dont mean to doubt you - just the garage's assessment, maybe a mis-choice of words perhaps?