Frame Straightening

FRAME STRAIGHTENING

WARNING: Frame rail crush zones absorb crash energy during a collision and must be replaced if damaged. Straighten damaged frame rails to correct frame dimensions prior to frame member sectioning. Failure to follow these instructions may adversely affect frame rail performance and may result in serious personal injury to vehicle occupant(s).

1. When straightening the frame, make sure the following requirements are met:
- If heat is needed to straighten a frame member, keep the temperature below 650°C (1200°F) (a dull red glow).
- Heat must be kept to a minimum area so that the hardness of the metal will not be affected.
- Straightening must only be attempted on frames that fail to meet specifications of the diagonal checking method or where damage is apparent.
- Straightening must be limited to components which are not severely bent.