Auto Insurance Claims: Crooked Steering Wheel, honda service center, 2003 honda odyssey

Question
Richard,

This past week I ran over something on the interstate that had flown off the bed of a truck in front of me.  Whatever I hit was not too big but caused a hard jolt to my 2003 Honda Odyssey.  I pulled over and did not see any visual damage so I continued on my way.  The next day I realized
my steering wheel was at 10 o'clock when I was driving straight.  I took the car to Firestone for a balance and alignment, which unfortunately did not correct the steering wheel. Firestone told me to take it to the Honda place to see if I had a "bent frame".   I then took it to my local Honda service center who recommended I take it to a body shop to be evaluated for a possible bent frame.  Are there other things that could cause my steering wheel to be crooked?  Could I really have bent the frame by just running over something on the interstate?  If my frame is bent can it be adequately repaired?  Can I ever sell it or trade it in if it has had frame damage? If it is bent will my insurance total it?  (2003, 90,000 miles).  

Thanks so much for any advive you may have!!!

Answer
Hi Jolie,

Another possibility is the steering gear and/or steering linkage.  Sometimes when a hard impact to a tire occurs the steering gear will twist making the steering wheel turn to the 10 o'clock or 2 o'clock position.  I do not think you have a bent frame, but to be sure you want to go to a body shop or a frame shop that has a laser frame measuring system. It will likely cost about $75 to $100 to have this done.  But I would start with a Honda service department asking them to check the steering gear and linkage.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh