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1 Drill 2 x 8mm holes to form basis of slot 2 Mill out to form 20mm x 8mm slot 3 Slots spaced at 30mm intervals
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Item Description 1 Drill 2 x 8mm holes to form basis of slot 2 Mill out to form 20mm x 8mm slot 3 Slots spaced at 30mm intervals
NOTE: Mig brazing is carried out at a temperature of 650°C to 950°C. To avoid degradation of the ultra high strength
steel material properties, the temperature must be below 950°C.
Mig braze the slot(s) using a Fronius Trans Plus Synergic 2700 4 R/Z/AL MIG Welder, with CuSi3 (DIN 1733) 1.0mm filler wire
with setting parameters 4, which is 92 Amps, Wire feed 4.6 m/min. Shielding gas L1 = pure Argon (DIN 439).
Dress the surface of the weld cap (brazed slot) with 60/80 grit belt sanders.
Accident damage and diagnosis
General notes
Exact diagnosis of the extent of the damage enables proper repair planning.
All body repairs must be carried out in accordance with the guidelines in this Body Repair Manual.
The stability and strength properties of the body must be taken into account during body repairs. The body has exact
defined deformation patterns that must not be affected by any repair work. Roof panel
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For instance, the crumple zones absorb the bulk of the impact energy. If any unprofessional repair techniques or
methods are used in these areas then this can pose a fundamental threat to vehicle safety.
Hidden damage
As well as looking at external indicators like flaked off paint, it is vital to check for hidden body damage or deformation
that is not visible from the outside. Large attached parts like bumpers and inner fenders often need to be removed to
allow accurate assessment of damage to underlying body parts.
Gap dimensions
Gap dimensions offer another alternative for diagnosis by visual inspection. If any changes or misaligned edges are apparent,
then this usually indicates that the dimensions of the affected part are incorrect.
Changes in gap dimension
Item
Description 1
Gap too wide 2
Gap too small Impact effects on the body
NOTE: Vehicle components like drive shafts and trailer attachments transfer forces. If a vehicle is subjected to a rear
impact then all connected body parts and mechanical components (e.g. transmission mountings) should be thoroughly checked.
Electronic components should be checked to make sure that they still operate correctly.
Furthermore it is possible to deduce the overall extent of damage from the direction and magnitude of the impact forces. This
does however require extensive body-specific knowledge.
If, for instance, an impact occurs at the front left-hand side member, then the right-hand side member is usually also affected
as a result of the rigid body-shell design (crossmember). Often the length of this side member will not have changed, but
because of the rigid body-shell design it may have moved from its original position (often only by a very small amount). If any
deviations are present this can usually be detected by checking the gap dimensions between door and fender or by checking for
changes in dimension.
In the case of more severe impacts, the front part of the body cannot absorb all of the impact energy, and the passenger cell
is also deformed. Here the impact energy is transferred via the side member to the A-pillar (see diagram). This results in
deformations in the area of the roof and the door rocker panel.
The body reacts quite differently to side impacts where there is hardly any crumple zone. As the passenger cell is extremely
stable, there are comparatively few local deformations at the site of the impact. However, the impact forces are transferred to
the entire vehicle floor, which often results in so-called "banana damage", where the vehicle is bent into a banana shape.
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Item
Description 1
Deformation area - roof rail 2
Deformation area - roof 3
Deformation area - door rocker panel Body measurements
Measuring options
Comparison measurements can also be made on the outside of the body. Depending on the damage, comparison
measurements and diagonal measurements can be carried out using compass, telescopic rod, tape measure or ruler.
NOTE: The same reference points must be chosen on both sides when checking for changed dimensions (e.g.
bores, edges, beads/swage lines etc).
All of the important external body dimensions are listed in Tolerance Checks.
For additional information, refer to: Body and Frame (501-26 Body Repairs - Vehicle Specific Information and Tolerance Checks, Description and Operation).
Measurements with a measuring/straightening jig.
A measuring/straightening jig is required for accurate measurements of the body. The measuring systems are
categorised by their means of operation:
Mechanical measuring system.
Optical measuring system.
Quick and accurate measuring results can be obtained using computerised measuring systems.
A minimum of three intact measuring points on the body are required for measurements of length, width and height
dimensions.
In some cases this may mean making the measuring points accessible. All of these measuring systems can be used to make
body measurements, provided all the equipment is available.
Planning a repair
The following decisions have to be made before the repairs are started:
Does the vehicle need to be put on a straightening jig, or can it be straightened by other means?
Does the body need to be measured?
Do aggregates like engine or axles need to be removed? Impact energy is transferred via the side member to the A-pillar
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NOTE: It is preferable to repair body parts rather than to renew them, as this keeps the complete body-shell
intact.
Which body parts need to be renewed?
Which body parts can be repaired?
Obtaining spare parts
The availability of spare parts often determines how easily the body repairs can be carried out. The following procedure is
recommended:
Obtain all the data for the vehicle, including type, vehicle identification number, trim code, engine identification letters,
initial registration etc.
Establish all of the metal parts that need to be renewed.
Establish all of the attached parts that need to be renewed, including small parts like rivets, clips etc.
Straightening repairs
WARNING: The use of heat when pulling to straighten body panels, (such as side members), is not recommended.
Longitudinal pulling, (hot or cold), is also not recommended. A small amount of side to side pull is permissible, (cold).
When any type of pulling or straightening operation is performed it is important to observe for any movement in adjacent
panels.
A panel must retain its strength and integrity, if there is any doubt the panel must be renewed.
Straightening repairs are often required to restore the body to its original shape after an accident. This can be done with:
Alignment jigs.
Universal straightening and measuring jigs.
Welding jig system.
The following points must be followed to Make sure that the repairs are carried out professionally and that all the dimensions
are correct after the repairs have been carried out.
Structure:
- The repair sequence depends on the individual repair plan (taking any necessary disassembly work into
account).
- Clean the attachment areas.
- Anchor the vehicle free of stress on the relevant system.
- Support the aggregates to take strain off the body.
- Decide on at least three measuring/mounting points that are undamaged and as far apart as possible (for basic
adjustment).
- Check the dimensions of the measuring/mounting points.
Straightening:
NOTE: Check dimensions and gaps continuously during straightening.
- A body is always straightened in the opposite direction to that of the impact. Always carry out straightening
repairs with the complete body shell assembled (do not cut out any parts beforehand). Carry out the
straightening work in several stages. This prevents the risk of over stretching or of welded joints tearing out.
During the individual straightening steps, relieve tension by striking with an aluminium hammer while the part is
subjected to a tensile load (in the area of pre-determined folding points, dents, welded joins etc.).
Special features:
- Ultra high strength steel cannot be straightened due to its brittleness and must always be replaced. www.JagDocs.com
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Cutting out body parts
Depending on how the parts are joined/connected, different tools are suitable for cutting/separating body parts.
NOTES:
All other parts like interior equipment, window glass etc. must be protected against flying sparks.
Make sure that the milling depth is set correctly to prevent the remaining flange from being weakened.
Rod sander
NOTE: Wear protective clothing. Protect any vulnerable body or glass areas against flying sparks. Remove explosive
materials from the vicinity.
Any spot welds that are inaccessible for the spot-weld mill (diameter > 8 mm) should be ground out using a rod sander. The
same applies to MIG spot welds or seams.
Short stroke saw
NOTE: Underlying metal parts, wiring harnesses, hoses etc. must not be damaged - remove them beforehand if
necessary. Spot-weld mill
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Body saws are particularly versatile and are therefore very suitable for making severance cuts on body parts.
Reciprocating saw
In addition to the short stroke saw, the reciprocating saw can be used. With this, it is possible to make narrow and straight
cuts to an exact depth.
Carrying out the repairs
Butt joint
NOTE: The severance cut should always be kept as short as possible on sectional replacement. Only cut at the severance
lines shown in the repair chapters.
Do not make any cuts near reinforcements or pre-determined folding lines.
Prepare parts remaining on the vehicle/new parts.
NOTE: Do not use a welding torch to remove paint residue (the heat could cause the metal to deform).
- Reshape the adjoining surface of any dented body parts that are to remain on the vehicle using a hammer and a
counterhold (Make sure that the old part matches the shape of the new part). Grind off left over spot welds or
seams with an angle grinder.
- Cut the new parts to shape.
- If necessary punch or drill holes for mig plug welding.
- Grind all joining flanges to bare metal on both sides. Do not use an angle grinder for this purpose (this could
weaken the metal and damage the zinc layer). Suitable tools: rotating wire brush, belt sander or plastic disc.
- Apply welding primer liberally to all weld flanges.
- The primer must be well stirred before use.
NOTE: When using aerosols, take care not to contaminate adjacent parts with spray mist.
Fit the new part.
It must be Make sured that the new part fits exactly to the specified dimensions. Suitable equipment:
- Alignment jig.
- Universal measuring system.
- Jig system.
- Ruler or tape measure.
- Compass.
- Frame dimensions can be found in the model-specific repair manuals.
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NOTE: Any attached body parts that require accurate alignment and fitting must be incorporated in this step; for
instance bumpers, seals, headlamps, rear lamps and lock assembly components. If this is not done carefully it may
result in water leaks, wind noises and substantial follow-on work.
Make sure that edges line up with adjacent parts and check that gaps are consistent (compare left and right-hand
sides). Make sure that the shape of the vehicle is retained.
Secure the new part
NOTE: The need for subsequent follow-on work can be significantly reduced if aligning and tack-welding are carried
out with due care.
Depending on accessibility the following methods for securing are available:
- Grip pliers (set of).
- Screw clamp (set of).
- Self-tapping screws.
- Tack welds.
Use a staking tool or a screwdriver to Make sure that the edges of sectional replacements of profiled parts line up. The
edge is then tack welded to Make sure that it lines up.
Aligning and tack weld
Item
Description 1
Tack welds 2
Using a screwdriver to align
Longer joins are usually tack welded to prevent the panel from warping. It is important to carry out the tack welds in
the correct sequence (see diagram).
Weld in the new part following the instructions in the repair manual.
Correct tack welding sequence
Follow on repairs/corrosion protection
This step basically covers the following work:
NOTE: See corrosion protection section for cavity wax application areas.
- Grinding welded seams.
- Priming any bare metal.