The Process to Straighten your Frame in Forest Lake
At Lugnuts Garage, when we straighten frames, we use a special machine with towers that can rotate all the way around. These towers help us work on different parts of your frame. We use sonic senders or computerized lasers to check the frame structure in detail, going beyond what we can see with just our eyes. This ensures that everything is perfectly aligned. Our skilled mechanics attach chains to the parts of the frame that need straightening. Then, we use hydraulic equipment to pull on these chains and bring the frame back into the right shape. We might also need to cut, weld, and shape during this careful process. We keep working until the frame meets the specifications set by the automaker, making sure your vehicle drives just the way it should.
Is Frame Straightening Safe?
When done correctly, the process of frame straightening can restore a vehicle's frame to its pre-accident safety level, and in certain instances, enhance its strength.
Addressing Serious Frame Damage:
The vehicle's frame is crucial for providing strength and stability, particularly in the event of an accident. Any impairment to the structural integrity of the frame is termed "frame damage," and it can encompass issues affecting any part of your vehicle's frame.
Considering Frame Straightening:
In the aftermath of a collision, you might be questioning whether straightening your vehicle's frame is a feasible choice. Although many insurance companies may advise declaring a total loss for severely damaged vehicles, there are situations where opting for frame straightening can result in significant cost savings. To ascertain the most suitable solution for your vehicle, it is crucial to have our expert technicians conduct a thorough evaluation of the frame damage.
Types of Vehicle Frame Damage We Address:
Sagging or Twisted Frame: Watch for signs of a sagging or twisted frame, such as noticeable gaps in the body. Uneven sections in the construction of a car frame can cause parts of the vehicle to tilt. If not addressed, these irregularities can contribute to accelerated wear on tires and coils. Utilizing a leverage process, frame straighteners are effective in correcting minor frame damage and restoring the proper alignment of the vehicle's structure.
Diamond Frame Misalignment: In a properly aligned frame, when the center box is measured diagonally, the measurements are equal, forming a perfect square. This ensures precise mounting for the suspension. However, if one frame rail is displaced, either forward or backward, the center box becomes distorted. This distortion results in uneven diagonal measurements, resembling the shape of a diamond. Consequently, the suspension is adversely affected, leading to a phenomenon known as "dog tracking," where the vehicle appears to travel down the road at an angle. It's uncommon to encounter a pure diamond shape without other accompanying damage. Additionally, when frame rails shift forward or backward, they typically deviate from being parallel to the road surface.
Sway Damage: Sway damage can result in a vehicle leaning to one side, negatively affecting steering and overall performance. Through our frame straightening process, we address sway issues, restoring balance and eliminating vibrations. This ensures a safe and comfortable ride for optimal driving experience.
Mashed Frame Repair: A head-on or rear-end collision can result in mash frame damage, where the impact causes the frame to crumple inward on itself. This type of damage is characterized by a section of the unibody frame being shorter than the manufacturer's specifications. Indications of mash frame damage include distortion or wrinkles in the hood, fenders, rails, or frame horns. Unfortunately, the effects of a mashed frame can extend to other areas of the vehicle.
Neglecting to address mash damage promptly can lead to severe consequences, causing significant wear and tear on other vehicle components. Fortunately, for modern cars, the repair process is relatively straightforward if only one section of the vehicle is affected. In such cases, the damaged section of the frame can be replaced to restore the vehicle's structural integrity. Timely attention to mash frame damage is crucial to prevent further complications and ensure the safety and performance of the vehicle on the road.
Get in Touch to Straighten your Frame in Forest Lake
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