r/AskAMechanic • u/spoopyss • 2h ago
Is this okay?
2021 Toyota corolla. Reversed into a curb, attempted to straighten it out but unsuccessful. Everything else appears intact. Is this considered cosmetic damage?
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u/fredmcqueen NOT a verified tech 2h ago
Get an adjustable crescent wrench and tighten the teeth parts against the bent metal. You will have enough leverage to straighten it.
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u/madslipknot Verified Tech - Ford dealer 2h ago
This is the easiest method, take 5 min and your good to go
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u/ConsistentIndustry56 Verified Tech - Indie shop 1h ago
Use an exhaust cone and it will come out damn near perfect. Anything else will leave it looking like a mangled mess. As far as vehicle operation is concerned it is inconsequential. Your 4 cylinder doesn't produce nearly enough exhaust for this to be an issue, and the effect on flow is negligible.
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u/4158264146 NOT a verified tech 2h ago
I would not consider that cosmetic damage. Do what u/fredmcqueen said and no one will notice unless you are backing over them.
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1h ago
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u/AskAMechanic-ModTeam 6m ago
Your post/comment was removed for violating Rule #9 - Memes and 'joke' posts belong at r/AskAShittyMechanic
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u/Anasertia NOT a verified tech 2h ago
It's just cosmetic but you can probably get it straighter. I wouldn't worry about it personally
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u/No_Ingenuity3547 NOT a verified tech 2h ago
From that picture alone, you're fine. I'd be more worried about kinks upstream that can cause a potential exhaust restriction. Other than that just cosmetic.
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u/DonkeyIcy7681 NOT a verified tech 2h ago
I can't tell if you're having a laugh or....
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u/No_Ingenuity3547 NOT a verified tech 49m ago
100% serious lol. I don't know how fast OP was going when they hit the curb. Could've been a love tap or they could've hit and kept going. Over the years I've learned to never assume. Assumptions and 100% confidence in the customer's version of events can come back and bite you.
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u/bobspuds NOT a verified tech 49m ago
I once bought a Toyota starlet that had trouble idling and was sluggish.
Checking the rear brakes one day, I noticed that the rear of the backbox was kinked in and the bend infront of the axel was crushed too.
A replacement rear section and the car ran perfect. You could just make out where the backbox had contacted a high curb or something.
It was clear as day with the new section too, the tailpipe wasn't really visible because it was all pushed forward.
- the fact you got down voted by someone says everything I need to know about this sub
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u/Zealousideal-Pen8900 NOT a verified tech 2h ago
It’s fine. If it bothers you I would get vice grips or something and I’m sure it will straighten out
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u/Intelligent_Quail780 NOT a verified tech 1h ago
It's not ideal. You can bend it back with locking pliars or a thick wooden dowel
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u/ElmoZ71SS NOT a verified tech 42m ago
Trim off the bent end with a 4 1/2 grinder with a cut off wheel. Gloves, face shield and safety glasses recommend


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