Warnings
NOTE: As of October 2007, the manufacturer has updated their position on the heating of components during repair. Refer to the statement here: Use Of Heat During Repair
WARNING
WARNING: USE EYE PROTECTION WHEN GRINDING OR WELDING METAL, SERIOUS EYE INJURY CAN RESULT.
- BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FRAME REPAIR INVOLVING GRINDING OR WELDING, VERIFY THAT VEHICLE FUEL SYSTEM IS NOT LEAKING OR IN CONTACT WITH REPAIR AREA, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
- DO NOT ALLOW OPEN FLAME OR HEAT AND METAL SPATTER FROM ARC WELDING, TO CONTACT PLASTIC BODY PANELS. FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAN RESULT.
- WHEN WELDED FRAME COMPONENTS ARE REPLACED, ENSURE COMPLETE PENETRATION WELD IS ACHIEVED DURING INSTALLATION. IF NOT, DANGEROUS OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT.
- STAND CLEAR OF CABLES OR CHAINS ON PULLING EQUIPMENT DURING FRAME STRAIGHTENING OPERATIONS, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
- DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A HOISTED VEHICLE THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED ON SAFETY STANDS, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Do not anchor or support the vehicle on suspension components during frame straightening operations. Damage to suspension can result.
- Do not reuse damaged fasteners, quality of repair would be suspect. Failure to use only production fasteners or fasteners of equivalent hardness can result in loosening or failure.
- Do not drill any holes in the frame that are not specifically outlined in this or other, DaimlerChrysler procedure as frame rail failure can result.
- When using heat to straighten frame components do not exceed 566°C (1050°F), metal fatigue can result.
- Do not use any flame or plasma cutting equipment to cut the frame in this procedure. This is due to the inaccurate nature of the cut-line and the fact that the high temperatures achieved during flame or plasma cutting will change the metal characteristics and may weaken the frame and/or repair location.
- Shield the surrounding areas and components from exposure to the welding spatter and heat.
- Do not anchor vehicle frame rails to pulling device at locations that are not reinforced. Damage to the frame rails can result.
- Do not anchor or support vehicle on powertrain components during frame straightening operations. Damage to powertrain can result.
- Protect wire harness and plastic components from excessive heat or sparks during frame repair operations.
- Protect electrical components from being contaminated by metal fragments during grinding or cutting operations.
- Do not put inserts in collapse areas. Strengthening the parts will change the way collision damage is absorbed, possibly endangering the passengers.
CAUTION: Do not section in the following areas:
- Suspension mounting locations
- Structural part mounting locations
- Dimensional reference holes
- Compound shapes/reinforcements
- Reinforcements (except as noted)
- Compound structures
- Collapse/crush zones
- Engine or drivetrain mounting locations