help diagnose my problem!!!!!

[ZeroX]

I'll admit it, I hit a patch of black ice a couple weeks back and lost control. Normally I can handle things, but ice is a little too tricky. I avoided the jersey walls, trees, and other drivers, but the curb was un avoidable. I took the curb at what felt like 20mpg (not dead on, veering) though it may have been less given the panic.

My car: 2004 6s

I lost the both the front and read rim on the passenger side (front had bowed spokes and a dent, rear had a nice dent). I picked up two nearly new rims from salvage for $150 per, pretty good since Mazda wanted $350 per. After a couple weeks of driving a beater and waiting on new tires, I'm finally ready to address the problem. I've gotten the new tires (Toyo Proxes 4, 225/45) all mounted and balanced. The car drives in a mostly straight line (alignment?) and brief inspection shows no immediate damage (without getting all the way under the car). Now for the real problem....

The steering wheel is cocked 15 degrees to the right (right is the side that hit the curb). Is this a problem w/ the rack? thrust angle off? tie rod? I cannot make a FULL sharp right turn and when I make a full sharp left the wheel jerks and feels unstable (I avoid sharp lefts).

Any ideas? I'm about ready to take it to the dealer since I don't know any good mechanics in the Silver Spring/Laurel/Columbia area.

I'll provide any additional info if needed to aid diagnosis.

I've been avoiding insurance because I have a high deductible though I'm worried I'll be regretting that decision.

Help!!!

[Kid Cromer]

Sounds to me like the steering column, ala the rod that connects your steering wheel to the wheels, is bent or otherwise askew. After your accident, did you take your car to a shop or just figure the wheels were the only thing damaged? A shop inspecting the vehicle post that type of collision should have found discovered something like that rather quickly. I would take it in to a shop ASAP.

[ZeroX]

After the accident I parked the car for a good 3 weeks. Work stress, money, timing, etc meant I couldn't deal with it at the moment. I've got a spare car around so no big deal, just curious what people thought.

[Tire Guy]

If you hit a curb hard enough to bend the wheels, you have likely done some damage to the suspension. At the minimum, it's out of alignment. Any good alignment shop can fix it (unless there's frame damage) and many tire stores have alignment racks.

[Mazda Gremlyn]

I'm willing to bet you've bent the splines in the steering column... I had a similar issue after an accident and deviously managed to get the dealer to replace it under warranty (note: I never lied, they just never asked if it was in an accident, I would have said yes had they asked). Though with as large a degree from center as your describe, they'll probably start asking questions. I would have a qualified mechanic, dealer or otherwise, look at the suspension to see if its bent anywhere, heck you could do that yourself if you're a even the smallest bit car savvy.

[ZeroX]

thanks a lot everyone, you all just confirmed my gut feelings