Whilst taking off the side protection tube, I notice a cross member as slightly bent, it appears just to be bolted to the bottom of the car and held on by about 4 bolts at each end.

I don't know when or how it happened, as far as i know its been like this since i have had the car as i don't recall any impacts to the front end, just a few scrapping noises whilst going down tracks etc

So I have a few questions

1) What is it
2) Is it important
3) Does it matter its bent a little
4) Can i just straighten it with my hammer
5) Does it need replacing

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

Thats the towbar support bracket, do not, repeat not tow anything again


or try and straighten it I reckon? its possibly a guard to protect the exhaust hanger At work
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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

For what it's worth, it's definately bent, and definately made of metal (I think).

Let me know if you need anymore technical info, I'm always willing to help.



Rich

it doesn't look substantial enough to be anything more than a guard of some sort - for the drive shaft or exhaust (as np says).

Cross members are fabricated not to bend etc.

Take it off, hammer it straight, job done

well i expected CG to be helpful, but Rich



I think its a strengthening bar/cross member of somesorts, the cars handling the same, so i'm not too worried

I'll get the car up on ramps and have a better look, and maybe a part number and contact 'The Large One' Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

npinks wrote:

well i expected CG to be helpful, but Rich

Yeah, I've stooped lower than CG

It's a good night

Thanks for your offer for help, i shall take you up if i need it  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Nick - things under cars are NOT supposed to be bent - by taking it off and hammering it back into shape will not give it back the same strengthening properties it had in the first place and will probably not do the job it is supposed to .

Best replace it as you have probably damaged it while off-roading (or the wife did it off-curbing and didn’t tell you ). If it had been a visible dent in the bodywork you would have got it fixed right away wouldn’t you  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

It looks to frail to be structural plus it's not doing anything where it is, my bet is it's a guard. Maybe L R maker can go and read the label off the parts bin on the production line?  58 HSE, auto, lago grey, tints. Mine and my dogs Storm and Sky
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AC Cobra rep in build. Ars.

Just straighten the thing, or if you insist on a new one keep the bent one to refit for off road trips At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

just been to the dealer to leave mine for the oil leak (gearbox/transmission) to be fixed, and as it was up on the ramp I asked about that part & if it was OK to remove and hammer flat.

Quite frankly the mechanics were horrified, and advised they would never ever hammer it flat.

They said they would remove it, find a flatish area of ground and jump up & down on it until it was basically straight. But they would never ever use a hammer !

(by the way, none of this actually happened).


Seriously, please let us know what happens..............

i have been under the car tonight, not easy with my belly, and its held on by 2 bolts either side, looks easy to replace

I have PM'ed "The Large One" to inquire what the part is earlier so i shall let you all know what the out come is  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Npinks, I have a large stiffening member, but not under the car The wife gives it a hammering quite regurlarly with no loss of performance ........oh I am confusing my forums again this one is cars isn't it!!!!!??????

Tissues doors are way  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis