Mitsubishi Repair: front end, strut assembly, wheel assembly

Question
Hello,

    I have a problem with my Mitsubishi, but it is not an eclipse.  However, I have a feeling that all cars may be alike when it comes to the front suspension.  Here it is:

  In December 2003 I crashed my 2003 Galant ES into a gaurdrail and into an enbankment while sliding on black ice.  The repair place needed to completely replace the front drivers side suspension and fender as I tore the entire wheel assembly and axle off during the accident.  I have brought the car back several times, the first because the car was pulling to the left.  THe dealership said that it was a bad tire.  Then I brought the car back because it was "wondering" around the highway.  They said it was a bad tie rod. (All on the same side as the accident).  Now, after bringing the car back because of a clunking sound when I slow down, I am told that there was nothing that the mechanic could find.  I was told to bring the car back if it does it again.  It is still clunking when I hit the break and come to a complete stop.  My worry is that the frame is bent and no one ever caught it.  What could be wrong, and could the frame be bent?  I am scared that I will have problems for the rest of the cars life as I just bought it in Sept. of '03 and owe quite a bit of $$ on the car so I can't trade it in right now. What do you think?

Thank you in advance for your responce,

Phil

Answer
Phil,
It would be hard to tell if the frame was actually bent without looking at it.  There are no clear cut signs to tell when you're driving.  The clunking noise could be a due to the coil spring not positioned correctly.  It's possible that the strut assembly is also worn out.  I would assume the replaced the entire strut assembly after the accident, but they may have tried to reuse some parts.  Also, have the ball joint and CV-joint rechecked.  All of those items can contribute to clunking noises and wandering of the wheel.  If the mechanic says he already checked all those items and everything is fine, then take your car to a different mechanic for a second opinion.  Many times, a second opinion can reveal the actual problem because the new mechanic does not the true history of the car.  The new mechanic may even detect that your frame is bent.  It's always a good idea to get more than one opinion.
Good luck!