The correct geometry of the car body is not only its beautiful appearance, but also driving safety. The reasons for body deformation can be very different, for example, a hit in an accident, collision with an obstacle, wheels getting into a hole on the road, etc. But even if the vehicle remains on the move, it becomes quite difficult to drive, and operating costs increase significantly . To restore the former functionality of a car, it is necessary to restore the geometry of the body.
Signs of violation of factory geometry
- Vibrations appear, accompanied by atypical extraneous noise.
- The overall controllability of the car decreases : when it moves, it is “pulled” to the side, maneuvering is difficult.
- The car loses stability when driving, especially at high speeds.
- The suspension, as well as the entire undercarriage of the machine, often begin to fail.
- Tires wear out quickly and unevenly.
- Increases fuel consumption.
- It is not possible to correctly adjust the alignment.
The presence of such symptoms indicates that an urgent restoration of the geometry of the car body is necessary.
Diagnostic measures
Body diagnostics is a must. Without comprehensive information about defects, it is impossible to carry out high-quality car body repairs. Geometry restoration is performed in a certain sequence using special equipment.
Visual inspection
This procedure begins with an assessment of the condition of the external surfaces: face panels, flange joints, welds, joints, etc. Then, attention is paid to the interior space, engine and luggage compartments. In the presence of deformations of the windshield and / or rear window, as well as doorways, a violation of body geometry is diagnosed.
Next, the car is installed on a lift to inspect the bottom, side members and other elements. On the side members, deformation folds are often observed.
Check symmetry of wheels
At this stage, the relative position of the wheels is evaluated, and the distances between the front and rear wheels on both sides of the vehicle are measured. The presence of asymmetry is a clear sign of a defect in the load-bearing body elements.
Checkpoints
This type of diagnostics is carried out on a slipway or a lift using a computer and appropriate software, as well as using special gauge lines. Measurement of control points of the body is carried out in accordance with the standards established by the manufacturer of a particular brand of car. The data obtained are compared with the factory indicators. This diagnostic operation is performed in a specific order, and it starts from the center of the bottom. The location of the control points relative to the center point of the bottom determines the correctness of the general geometry of the body.
To control the conformity of some points, partial dismantling of certain suspension components is required.
If discrepancies between control points and standard indicators are detected, the geometry of the car body is restored. If this procedure is not carried out on time, the deformation processes will progress, adversely affecting all vehicle systems.
Equipment for restoration work
The control and restoration of the body geometry on the slipway is carried out. This equipment has the necessary strength characteristics, allowing to carry out the most rigid body work, including the complete restoration of the geometry of the bodies of SUVs with a frame.
The “hauling” of the body is carried out by means of a complex system of fastenings, allowing to influence certain points of it. The restoration of the geometry of the body is carried out under the control of high-precision measuring systems with which the slipway is equipped.
Body geometry restoration technology
The car is firmly fixed on the platform of the slipway. To certain points on which the action necessary to restore the geometric parameters should be produced, special pulling devices (equipment) are attached. After that, the power plant of the slipway is activated, which draws out the elements of the body in a given direction.
The magnitude of the effort and the time of exposure to the body is calculated by a special computer program. The computer also monitors the process of changing the position of control points during restoration work.
The restoration of the body geometry is considered complete when the control points reach the coordinates programmed by the program. At the last stage, the master makes control measurements and generates a report on all points of the body.
It is important
Restoring body geometry on a slipway has two important advantages. Firstly, the correct geometry returns to the body. Secondly, in the process of restoration work, the original properties of the metal do not change. Subject to competent maintenance, the “reanimated” body will have high rates of resistance to corrosion processes.
Another important condition for the correct restoration of body geometry is the professionalism of the masters and the availability of special equipment. Competently carry out all diagnostic and repair operations independently or in garage workshops is almost impossible. The right choice of car service is the key to the full restoration of the car’s functionality.