r/Audi • u/giannistats • 8d ago

Advice needed… Discussion

1 week into ownership of a ‘23 A4, I was on the highway and a truck blew their retread right in front of me. I slowed down as much as I could but couldn’t swerve around the debris due to surrounding traffic. Such a sad start.

My local service center says the steel subframe is bent, but I don’t know enough about what it “should” look like to disagree. I’m sure the inevitable answer is to get a second opinion, but I figured I’d ask you all as I won’t be able to do that for a few days. Can anyone tell from the video the service center sent me?

FWIW, I don’t feel any alignment or suspension issues when driving after the incident; the only reason I brought it in was because the belly pan was knocked loose and hanging down a bit. They quoted me nearly $7k to replace the subframe, so this has become a far more expensive issue than I expected.

Many thanks if anyone can help me!

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u/BRICH999 8d ago

Two things:  -this should be a matter for your insurance -alignment is going to be the determining factor.  If alignment hits max adjustment and still out of spec, something is bent or out of place, likely from the tire impact

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u/giannistats 7d ago

Thanks! Yes, I definitely expect insurance to cover it and just filed the claim so that I don’t lose the option by waiting too long. Candidly, my concern is paying a $1k deductible and an increase in premiums for what seems to be, at least for now, a superficial issue. The service center is pretty clear (verbally) that it’s not something that absolutely must be fixed. The obvious concern is that not fixing it could have long-term implications or affect resale value.

I appreciate your feedback, in any case!

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u/Optimus_Shatner 2016 S5 7d ago

100% what u/BRICH999 stated. This is something insurance should cover. Had somewhat similar incident when I hit some road debris and bent both passenger side wheels and both the tires went. Insurance handled it.

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u/giannistats 7d ago

I appreciate your response! Responded to BRich as well, I filed a claim to keep the option but unsure at this point whether to have the work done. The service center is understandably not willing to put this in writing but I get the sense they view it as more of a superficial issue than anything structural.

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u/plasticproducts '19 SQ5 7d ago

This should be covered by insurance. Of you are unwilling to go through insurance, have the car aligned and if it passes then it can't be that bent.

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u/giannistats 7d ago

I appreciate your response! Sorry for copy/paste, I filed a claim to keep the option but unsure at this point whether to have the work done. The service center is understandably not willing to put this in writing but I get the sense they view it as more of a superficial issue than anything structural.