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.
Body Misalignment Check
2003 Ford Windstar BaseSECTION Body Misalignment Check
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego, 2006 Ford Freestyle, and 2006 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
- Never apply heat to the bumper energy absorbers. Heat could cause the material in the absorbers to expand and flow out of the absorbers or crack the metal housing. Always remove the absorbers before carrying out body frame service near them. Never use a bumper energy absorber for pulling.
- Do not attempt to correct any serious misalignment with a pulling/pushing operation. Damage to the structure could occur.
- In case of severe or sharp bends, it may be necessary to use heat. Any attempt to cold-straighten a severely bent bracket may cause ruptures of the welds. It may also cause cracks in the bent part. Never heat the area to more than 650°C (1,200°F). Always use temperature-indicating crayons when applying heat to any part.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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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.