Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
41 00... Straightening Steel Components In The Structure
- High-strength and super-high-strength steel plates as a rule cannot be reshaped. Reshaping only serves as a preparatory measure to replacing the component in order to achieve optimal joining of the connection points.
- Bearing body components such as e.g. engine supports, door pillars, side members etc. with deformations which can no longer be returned to their original shape by "cold straightening" must be replaced.
Heating bearing body components for better reshaping is not permitted!
Failure to comply with this requirement would result in a loss of original strength of up to 40 %.
- The body must be anchored as follows for reshaping:
If using vehicle-specific/universal straightening attachment sets (Carbench/Celette/Car-O-Liner), it is necessary to secure the body additionally with 4 retaining clips to the spot flange of the entrance or to the 4 jacking points. The spot flange (if available) is to be preferred.
If using universal electronic or mechanical straightening systems (Car-O-liner/Celette), it is necessary to secure the body with 4 retaining clips to the spot flange of the entrance or to the 4 jacking points. The spot flange (if available) is to be preferred. In addition anchor at least 2 points with the securing set.
Failure to comply with these instructions will result in damage to the body during reshaping in non-damaged areas. Vehicle-specific straightening attachments and universal mounts may be damaged.
- Repairs affecting the mounting points of assemblies and chassis/suspension components must be carried out on the straightening bench with the matching straightening attachment set or specification sheet for the vehicle.
Straightening attachments and specification sheets are also available for the top section, e.g.: door pillars, convertible top mounts, cowl, rear lid hinges, etc.
- Check windshield and rear window apertures for curvature by inserting the original glass.
- Take the gap dimensions for doors, engine hood and rear lid from the vehicle-specific gap dimension diagram.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.