Damaged shock?

[Subyland]

Yesterday, whilst trying to avoid a driver coming opposite in the middle of the road my wife hit a very deep pothole resulting in a damaged wheel and shock as it looks like the wheel rubbed against the shock. The external round body of the shock has gone a bit flat where contact was made. Do you think I need to change it?

 

[grober]

Not sure which model of car you are talking about?? -- but there is normally a flat section on the side of the front strut nearest the wheel of the w124 models. Its there to stop the unit rotating when being assembled/serviced and wheel clearance . So probably nothing to worry about. If you don't believe me take look at the "undamaged" side it will be exactly the same. In order for the wheel to touch the strut which is effectively the king-pin of the front suspension the stub axle or strut would have to have bent or the wheel virtually destroyed/ distorted beyond repair.
edit:- If its a steel wheel a wheel specialist may be able to straighten the rim-I would be more worried about the tyre-check for any slight bulging/rippling in the side wall indicating the plys are damaged. Its very important to check the inside wall of the tyre also. Its best done by feeling with your fingertips which will pick up on any minor changes you wont spot with your eyes.

 

[BlackC55]

It looks like an A-class from the picture.

That "flat" is normal from memory.

 

[Subyland]

It is indeed an A Class. What makes me believe that contact was made are both the black mark on the rim (alloy) and and the mark on the "front" of shock.

 

[W210 Fan]

if it was a large pothole you should be able to get the money back from council who are insured against their roads damaging cars if you have to spend any money out, I have successfully managed to do this when a pothole damaged a wheel on a Ford Orion I was running years ago, dont get me wrong, this is not an easy thing to do, they will make it as difficult as possible but if you believe the road was at fault and you may be looking at a large bill then it should be worth persuing,

 

[Dieselman]

Good point, go and get some photos before it gets filled in.

 

[Dieselman]

It is indeed an A Class. What makes me believe that contact was made are both the black mark on the rim (alloy) and and the mark on the "front" of shock.

The rim mark is the tyre sqashing over the rim.

You would see a horizontal rub mark on the strut if they touched.

 

[grober]

Does the shock appear to function properly? It it leaking fluid? Does the car drive normally - no steering difference between right hand and left hand bends when cornering? No strange noises when moving over speed bumps? If not then nothing to worry about as I said before. I would be more concerned about the tyre as I said before. With the A class front springs can fracture and wear away the spring perch over time so worth checking the springs also. http://www.aclassinfo.co.uk/mypage.26.htm