As the title says, I was in a rear end style collision, with what seems to be minor damage to the rear bumper only. However, it is definitely out of alignment. I've been getting a little wobbly at times too, not quite death wobble, maybe tires out of balance? Before this insurance case is closed does anyone have any advice?

 

definitely get it checked out. even if it's nothing serious, dont risk it. Their insurance will pay for it.

 

Check the axles too.

Get a balance and alignment done too.

 

Get it checked out, there could be more danger than you think. You might be able to get some upgrades out of it.

 

First and foremost, I hope you and your occupants are okay! The Jeep is just metal and plastic. A LOT of plastic.

Depending on the speed of impact and the amount of brake pressure you were applying, you could have skidded your tires causing flat spots. Those will wear even eventually. Or as you pointed out, you could have lost a weight causing a tire to lose balance. Could also have bent a wheel. If the damage wasn't severe enough to damage the tailgate, I doubt you have a bent frame.

In general, I'd inspect all rear components to verify that everything is in proper alignment and functioning correctly. If the axle is leaking fluid or if you see that the Jeep is tracking improperly; it could indicate a broken axle tube, bent shaft, or bent control arm.

BTW, I see that you're located here in Austin too. You may want to take the Jeep to B&B Body on SIH35. I was rear-ended by a young driver about 2 years ago and they did the work for me. The only damage was the rear bumper. The other driver's insurance was open to cutting me a check for the damages so I could get the aftermarket replacement of my choice, but the estimate (done by B&B) was about $350 for a new Mopar bumper, removal and installation, and one day rental. I dropped my Jeep off at B&B to do the work one morning and my Jeep was ready by lunch the same day. I kept the rental overnight because I couldn't get out of work to get my Jeep, but the service and professionalism of B&B really impressed me.

 

Theres a drop of fluid hanging from the differential, nothing on the ground though. I was given the ok by Progressive to take it to Firestone and have them inspect the suspension and powertrain seeing that the only visible damage was the rear bumper. They're going to cut me a check for the bumper and I'm upgrading. I called Firestone and they seemed to think there shouldn't be any issues with alignment/balance after a minor rear end collision in a Jeep. I call bs and am reluctant to have them inspect it for fear of them clearing it and im stuck with the diagnostic fees. I am most definitely experiencing a rougher "wobblier" ride, doesn't quite reach death wobble. The spot on the bumper that was hit covers the frame, so basically the van made contact with the frame via my bumper. I was hit by a van that sort of drove under my Jeep, lifting it up for a split second.

 

why would you take it to firestone and not a more reliable mechanic shop? Hell I would almost take it to Jeep even, at least then you know they would nickel and dime everything out of it.

 

If it lifted the Jeep, do a visual check of all your suspension mounting points, the impact may have caused something to bend.


You may not see any damage on the actual arms since they are inline with the impact, but the mounting points would take the impact energy.

 

When I was rearened by a 4-Runner, my rear frame member was bent. You could tell because the hitch reciever was not straight. The 4-runnerthat hit me was crumpled up to the windshield so it was a pretty high impact wreck.. Just take it to a reputable frame shop and they will tell you if anything is off. I doubt Firestone has the people that would really know.

 

I was hit by a motorcyclist a couple of years ago - thought my damage was all cosmetic except for the tire and wheel. I found out later that my axle was bent - the handling was all off.