[rookie440]

Well, tonight dropped and inch of snow, and it seemed to be the perfect time to practice some snow recovery maneuvers. (Being 18 and very foolish)

The vehicle is a 2014 Dodge Charger R/T AWD

I found out that the AWD system is rear biased.

I hit a curb sideways at 3-5 mph, and a couple things resulted.

1. I believe the drivers side steering shaft snapped inside the rack and pinion assembly. It is loose, and able to come completely out of the assembly.

2. "Service AWD system" appeared on the EVIC. It goes straight to RWD.

...
Well, I checked the passenger side steering, and it works fine.
The engine runs fine, and the car can go forward.

I was wondering what part this is called, so I could buy it, and go to the dealership with it ready ahead of time, to make this problem be resolved as smooth and orderly as possible.

Is there anything else that you guys would do after this, other then setting up and appointment with your dealer to get it serviced, and getting a flatbed to get it there?

What is this broken part called?

Is there anything else you would recommend I look at?

Is there a place you guys recommend to find/buy parts?

Is there anything I'm forgetting with a problem like this?



Any recommendations and suggestions are highly valued,

Thank You

 

[Ddaddy]

It looks like you broke the front drive shaft to the wheel. You need to see the dealer and have it diagnosed. If you slammed it hard enough to break the shaft, you may have done a lot more damage to the front transaxle and you really want it inspected to find out if there is more damage than what you can see.

I would also consider calling your insurance company and see if they will cover a "snow accident".

I'm pretty sure they won't cover being "young and fooling around in the snow"

 

[rookie440]

It looks like you broke the front drive shaft to the wheel. You need to see the dealer and have it diagnosed. If you slammed it hard enough to break the shaft, you may have done a lot more damage to the front transaxle and you really want it inspected to find out if there is more damage than what you can see.

I would also consider calling your insurance company and see if they will cover a "snow accident".

I'm pretty sure they won't cover being "young and fooling around in the snow"

Ddaddy,

In the AWD cars, there are 2 shafts that lead to the wheel. ( My poor photography skills do not show the driveshaft)

One leads toward the center of the wheel, which is the front driveshaft. This appeared to be together. But EVIC says otherwise.

The other is offset, which I'm assuming is for steering, and is obviously very snapped. When I turned the steering wheel, The wheel with the broken shaft didn't turn.

How would I cover this as a snow accident if I was the only person in the lot?

Your info/response is appreciated,

Thank You

 

[Ddaddy]

Ddaddy,

In the AWD cars, there are 2 shafts that lead to the wheel. ( My poor photography skills do not show the driveshaft)

One leads toward the center of the wheel, which is the front driveshaft. This appeared to be together. But EVIC says otherwise.

The other is offset, which I'm assuming is for steering, and is obviously very snapped. When I turned the steering wheel, The wheel with the broken shaft didn't turn.

How would I cover this as a snow accident if I was the only person in the lot?

Your info/response is appreciated,

Thank You

I can't tell enough from the pics to tell what you broke or damaged so a complete mechanical inspection is required. You clearly hit it hard.

As far as insurance goes, it is very simple. Be honest...you were driving in the snow in an empty lot and slid into a curb damaging the front suspension.

Damage like that should be covered under your insurance. Another vehicle doesn't need to be involved

 

[Nitemare]

My mother a few years back slid while taking a corner into a guardrail. Single vehicle accident... covered by insurance. You should be fine. I wouldn't say you were screwing around though.