I have 2008 TL and it started pull to the drivers side. I took it in for an alignment and they told me they couldn't get it back. They sent me to a body shop for possible frame damage. I hit a couple of pot holes in the spring and think that's probably the cause. The body shop said they would start with a new control arm first. ($600). Then remeasure and see if the sub frame is out. ($2200 just for sub frame). They say I can use my insurance if it's the sub frame. Anybody have this problem? What are odds it's the sub frame? Is a control arm a DIY project?

 

control arm is doable at home but only if you have a little experience

 

Through the years of pushing wrenches, what I've seen with the TL in the most unusual case, cracked sub frames. This usually happens over a long period of time in where the engine mounts are totally shot, causing a lot of movement from the engine and transmission, which also puts a ton of stress on the lower control arm (Bushings). Once the lower control arm bushings are torn the lower control arm pushes and pulls where it mounts to the sub frame (Compliance bushing part) and will cause the sub frame to crack only where that area is. Again, in most extreme cases I've seen this... Usually happens due to negligence on the owners part to have their vehicles suspension inspected and repaired.

Now, it's also not uncommon for the TL to have a pull to the right (Most of the time) or to the left. From pothole hits you tend to blow out the alignement. I haven't seen where a control arm on the TL bent from pothole hits. I've seen control arms bent from curb hits (slid into curbs). For most technicians, the way about trying to resolve a pull is inspect the front end suspension, check/set all tire pressures, check wear/condition of all tires (Even balance all tires), usually swap the front tires from side to side and road test. After if the car still pulls, there would be an alignment performed. From the alignment you would be able to tell if something was bent or off. Best of luck.

After doing a search, this happened to someone else with the cracked sub frame due to lower control arms.
https://acurazine.com/forums/problem...bframe-852674/

other links:
https://acurazine.com/forums/problem...bframe-835416/
https://acurazine.com/forums/tires-w...bframe-642343/
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-par...-frame-763219/

 

Why not take meaurements of the subframe first?
The FSM has all the dimensions.

 

Should I try the dealer for a second opinion? I think the pull was unrelated to the alignment issue. My caster is .9 (out) and 2.9 (in) on right. Any ideas on possible cause?

 

No on the dealer. You need expertise