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Snow chain damage to steering knuckle
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Crusher
New User
Jan 1, 2022, 7:03 PM
Post #1 of 6
(1695 views)
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Snow chain damage to steering knuckle
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2013 Dodge Dart Limited 2.0L 80k
Hello everyone! Last weekend I had my chains on driving through two mountain passes here in WA. I heard a clicking noise coming from the front driver wheel when moving. I pulled over a few times to see what was causing the noise but I didn't see anything. I couldn't take the chains off so I just kept going. Turns out that part of the inner chain was whipping the steering knuckle and the brake line to the caliper (thankfully it didn't fully break the line until I was in a parking lot near home). I've replaced the break line, no problem. But the steering knuckle has a 1/2" gouge from the chain.
I'm curious if this looks like it needs to be replaced or if the damage is minor enough that it is safe to leave it as is. I appreciate any information!
Link to the steering knuckle damage:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/w7VykquT8sMJFSBb9
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 1, 2022, 7:26 PM
Post #2 of 6
(1690 views)
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Re: Snow chain damage to steering knuckle
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I'm not seeing anything worth worrying about.
Check it again in a month or two and see if anything has gotten any worse.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 1, 2022, 11:54 PM
Post #3 of 6
(1659 views)
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Re: Snow chain damage to steering knuckle
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I saw damage to a brake's flex hose! That should go for new now.
Note on chains: Once and I think still a "Chain Law" would go into effect past certain points of mountain passes in my case was Colorado. No rescue and the dangers are obvious plus risk blocking other traffic is moot but had them aboard did use them not when mandatory are mean traction.
They also sell now repair links you can do by hand, no tools or ones you squish more permanent EXPECT then to bust if used much at all.
There are other clip on things you could fit to a wheel not available then to me just put another on only needed one or two per wheels needed.
Best is don't be in that wait it out - stuff happens be ready for what's likely or possible.
If that was a one time deal just fix that hose, check other side too + try hard not to be in those extremes it's not for ordinary cars/trucks at all not even ordinary snow removal machines in extremes!
If you knew you needed this stuff that's the wrong car totally. Something real high with spare everything with you if perhaps you did need to go where you can't like private land, roads > you wouldn't be here asking.
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FIX THAT HOSE! The outer case is down to pressure holding threads could blow out at any time get right on that ASAP at least,
Tom (inland MA and New England savvy "Green and White Mountains" can be real nasty!!
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Crusher
New User
Jan 3, 2022, 7:35 AM
Post #4 of 6
(1625 views)
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Re: Snow chain damage to steering knuckle
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The break hase was replaced as mentioned in my post. I wasn't on back roads I was on a mountain pass freeway. And chains were required, $500 fine if you weren't using them. The freeway actually was shutdown down for 3 hours preventing us from getting home because too many people were driving without chains or an appropriate vehicle.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 3, 2022, 7:49 AM
Post #5 of 6
(1623 views)
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Re: Snow chain damage to steering knuckle
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OK, didn't notice you replaced that hose. I didn't see other necessary damage to fix but pay attention anyway.
Same game WAS for I-70 thru Rockies in Colorado + other places and passes.
There are super quality chains that rarely give out a link if real chain. Some with barbs will climb trees with 2WD. Bummer it happened it's a lousy time to have to be out if you could wait it out as it doesn't last.
It stinks that anything happened but cool you are here to ask and not lost in that crap it's scary.
Tricks if not used to wild snow/ice: Go in reverse if that works, steer while it's losing it a little left+right. Odd but drag brakes +/or light pumps > assorted drive systems will be fooled it to put power to lesser grabbing wheel!
IF you ever go thru that always carry last ditch emergency stuff with you - it still happens people get lost out there till it's too late!
Tom
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Crusher
New User
Jan 3, 2022, 7:53 AM
Post #6 of 6
(1619 views)
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Re: Snow chain damage to steering knuckle
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Appreciate the info, yeah we made emergency kits/overnight bags for our cars the next day. We at least got stopped in a town with plenty of resources for everyone that was stopped. We were down in RMNP this year (July) and those mountains roads would be crazy in the snow. My car would be a hard no up there!
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