Is Your Auto Frame Repair Process Up to Standards?

Modern vehicle frames are engineered to meet strict NHTSA requirements for impact absorption and fuel efficiency. As a result, they’re designed to be both lighter and stronger than earlier models – a win for drivers, but a new challenge for body shops.

Understanding Modern Auto Body Frame Repair

Performing efficient and accurate unibody frame repairs demands not only the right tools, but also access to up-to-date OEM information. When your customers’ safety is on the line, it’s essential to know exactly when a frame should be repaired – and when it must be replaced. Staying informed is key to maintaining both repair quality and compliance with manufacturer standards.

Unibody Frame Repair

Unibody frames feature “crumple zones” designed to absorb damage to protect drivers and passengers, making these single-unit designs more challenging to repair. These modern frames require specialized methods, tools and equipment, including advanced welding techniques and hydraulic tools. The specific approach required for repairing unibody frames results in increased costs and the need for the latest collision repair skills.

Auto frame repair may require straightening and aligning the unibody structure, cutting out damaged sections and replacing them with new OEM parts. These collision repair procedures must be performed exactly as manufacturers recommend to avoid mistakes and compromised safety. Because frame repairs can be complex and expensive, body shops must understand when replacement or repair is the right call.

Sectioning In Auto Body Frame Repair

Manufacturers build these frames with indicators to tell technicians where to cut and, just as importantly, where not to cut frames for sectioning. Some factory seams may be inaccessible after a collision, so auto frame repairs may require sectioning instead of part replacement. Replacing frame sections at specified seams is pretty straightforward as long as you follow the correct procedures and avoid common pitfalls.

Do Not Section If…

• The vehicle manufacturer prohibits sectioning.
• The repair area is near the suspension or structural mounting locations or a compound structure.
• The damaged area is located in a “crush zone.”
• The frame repair is near the drive-train or engine mounts.

It’s vital to note that high-stress points in frame assemblies are reinforced, and any changes or damage to those areas could result in an unsafe repair. When OEM information reveals the following (below), sectioning will not be an option. Instead, an auto frame repair shop must resort to OEM frame replacement parts.

When your shop performs auto frame repair following OEM procedures, the results will be a safe and accurate repair. Once the structural parts have been refinished, you’ll want to apply the recommended corrosion protection. Protect the bare metal and welds inside the frame with an interior corrosion solution, and you’ll have a collision repair that should last for the life of the vehicle. 

Modern Auto Frame Repair Challenges

Unibody frame design undoubtedly helps keep vehicle occupants safer than ever, but repair difficulty and cost may be greater due to the single-unit design. In a collision, damage to a unibody frame can mean bends, crumples, twists and even separation. Knowing when to repair or replace frame sections is essential to ensure the structural integrity of the car.

One of the challenges of auto body frame repair on unibody designs is the need for a specific type of heat-controlled welding that can only be performed by trained professionals. Sectioning and welding challenges can be overcome relatively easily with proper training and tools, but straightening a twisted frame requires advanced expertise. Because hydraulic tools apply tremendous pressure to straighten frames, the process requires technicians with skill and experience to avoid damaging the frame. 

Specific vehicles will require a unique approach for frame repair, and even the most experienced collision technician can find it difficult to stay current. Many unibody frame repairs call for special hydraulic tools and repair technicians who are professionally trained to use them. While much of the effort in frame repair can involve minimal adjustments, even the best repair will be inferior if the frame isn’t straight.

Future Challenges of Auto Frame Repair

The unibody frame design is one of the most significant advancements in auto manufacturing history, and there are plenty more around the corner. The future of auto frames and nearly every other vehicle component continues to be bright, thanks to the latest technology. However, automation, advanced safety systems, lighter materials and other innovations will continue to pose repair challenges. Fortunately, auto body frame repair processes can rely on advanced diagnostic tools and OEM information to keep pace.

Don’t Forget Those Full Frames

Full frames shouldn’t be new to experienced collision repair professionals, but newer generations may have little experience working with them. This skill gap can occur because many career and technical colleges strongly emphasize instruction for repairing the more popular unibody construction. But as most auto frame repair pros can tell you, there are still plenty of full-frame vehicles out there. Auto frame repair shops must be well-versed in modern and traditional auto body frame repair to stay competitive.

SUN Collision Makes Auto Frame Repair Simple

When your auto frame repair shop takes on a frame replacement or repair, count on SUN® Collision Repair Information to get it right. Your collision repair technicians get easy access to detailed procedures, materials data and real-world guidance for safe and accurate repairs.

When your collision repair shop relies on the latest technology from SUN, your technicians will be ready to take on even the most challenging frame rail repair. Your shop will perform better repairs while minimizing frame repair costs using the most up-to-date procedures.

When vehicle manufacturers are changing the game year after year, it makes sense for your auto frame repair shop to rely on the latest technology from SUN. From auto body repair to ADAS recalibration, your technicians will have the latest OEM repair information before every collision procedure—and SUN Collision makes it easy.

On-Demand Access With 1Search Plus™

Advanced collision repair software features include OEM service manuals, common repair procedures and other up-to-date information that’s easy to find. If you know how to use Google, you know how to use 1Search Plus™.

Body, Frame and Materials

Collision repair shops get unlimited access to OEM collision repair information for the most advanced materials. Because we constantly update the database, you’ll always have the knowledge you need today and in the future.

Common Collision Repairs

If your shop is working on a frame replacement, chances are there’s plenty of repair work in other areas. Make typical repair procedures more manageable with the ultimate resource for common collision repairs.

ADAS Repairs

ADAS safety technology will continue to be more complex and integrated with each model year. These innovations mean that even a minor fender bender can cause collateral damage to critical ADAS components. SUN Collision can help with the latest OEM information for diagnosis, repair and recalibration with the click of a button.

How To Consistently Deliver Superior Auto Frame Repair

There’s only one way to keep up with vehicle technology and its demands on auto frame repair shops. The latest OEM information is essential to ensure accurate and safe collision repairs. From OEM manuals to the latest TSBs, SUN Collision delivers the most updated OEM data available.

We like to think of our collision repair software as a toolbox full of vital tools like OEM procedures, specifications and wiring diagrams. And unlike most collision repair tools, SUN Collision is always accurate and comprehensive because we constantly upload the latest OEM information.

 Let SUN Collision show you how to stay a step ahead of the vehicle technology curve for better collision repair today and tomorrow. Get your free no-obligation demo or talk with a collision repair expert at 877-840-1973 to see how having on-demand OEM information can transform your auto body frame repair process.

About SUN Collision

SUN Collision Repair Information, a brand of Snap-on, Inc., provides complete, accurate OEM data for collision and mechanical repairs that auto body shops can trust to fix any vehicle with maximum efficiency. Powered by its exclusive 1Search Plus search engine, the online software makes it quick and easy to access current repair procedures, diagrams and specifications for all makes, including the majority of Electrical Vehicles on the market and vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). For information about SUN Collision and its products, call 877-840-1973 or visit suncollision.com.

In collision repair facilities. The latest OEM information is essential to ensure accurate and safe collision repairs. From OEM manuals to the latest TSBs, SUN Collision delivers the most updated OEM data available.