I hit a median avoiding a deer tonight on my way home. Left front tire blew, wheel bent, control arm pushed back, up and in, strut collapsed 60 miles from home. I managed to get it jacked up and the donut spare mounted. Then I limped it home. At a minimum I am looking at a strut, lower control arm, wheel, tire and not sure what else. It's making a whirring noise like a wheel bearing going out. But I was able to do 55 MPH most of the way home and so long as I kept the wheel straight it didn't drive too bad, but pulled hard left on braking of course. I will put it up on the lift in the morning and try to figure out how bad the damage is. Pics will follow. I am lucky, could have been much worse.

 

This strut took most of the impact. Left front wheel and tire destroyed. Discovred left rear wheel bent. I ordered a lower control arm, a strut and a ball joint. The tires have 50K on them and my tire and front end place told me with AWD Subarus the tires on each axle have to be exactly the same size or it creates all manner of problems. all told including 2 used wheels the parts total thus far is $700.

I ordered a lower control arm, a strut, and ball joint, plus 2 new tires and I have a line on 2 used wheels for $50 each from a local salvage yard. All the parts should be here tomorrow.

Edited December 16, 201411 yr by 01 Outback

Make sure the rear lower A-arm mount bolts do not cross thread when you install them.

 

You'll have it back on the road in no time.

Yeah I just hit the damn things. Get it with the corner and it might take a headlight out but at least you can drive home. Hitting a deer is much better than smashing the curb or running across the ditch and down into the woods, IMO.

Phew. At least you didn't end up lap dancing with the deer.

Wishing a speedy recovery for the OB.

I have an appointment tomorrow morning with the guy at my local shop who does the repair work I don't have time to do myself. Between the farm and my 122 mile round trip to work every day plus mandated OT, my wrenching time is quite limited. Thanks for the kind words. With any luck, I will have the OB on the road again by Friday : )

Ouch. The only vehicle that seems to win with a deer is a train locomotive. At least it wasn't a moose or something 

 

>> Subarus the tires on each axle have to be exactly the same size or it creates all manner of problems

On AWD soobs of that era all four tires have to match model and treadwear (circumference of all tires not differiing more than 1/4")

 

This strut took most of the impact. Left front wheel and tire destroyed. Discovred left rear wheel bent. I ordered a lower control arm, a strut and a ball joint. The tires have 50K on them and my tire and front end place told me with AWD Subarus the tires on each axle have to be exactly the same size or it creates all manner of problems. all told including 2 used wheels the parts total thus far is $700.

Thanks for the reply. The tires are about 1/2 gone. I doubt that they are worn 1/4 of an inch. I will measure the difference and buy 2 more if necessary. The alignment shop found the cv joint bent and wheel bearing damaged when they road tested it. $420 more. Total cost for this deer avoidance $1150...

Thanks for the reply. The tires are about 1/2 gone. I doubt that they are worn 1/4 of an inch. I will measure the difference and buy 2 more if necessary. The alignment shop found the cv joint bent and wheel bearing damaged when they road tested it. $420 more. Total cost for this deer avoidance $1150...

Retrieved OB from the front end place and am pleased to report it is like driving a brand new car... :D :D