Back-To-Basics: Repair Tolerances

Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When it comes to straightening and repairing a vehicle back to specification, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Repairing a vehicle to the proper specifications helps to ensure that all panels, suspension, drivetrain parts, etc. fit properly. This will help ensure any required alignments and/or calibrations can be completed. Newer vehicles have a tighter tolerance than what you may see on older vehicles of the same model. In the past, the often heard “+/- 3 mm or +/- 5 mm” is no longer accurate for all vehicles. Vehicle makers often provide specific measurements that need to be met and not a repair tolerance range. Measuring points of a vehicle should be checked often during the repair process, as well as test fitting panels.
Newer vehicles are often constructed with non-adjustable door hinges, suspension mounting locations, and sensor mounting locations. This means that if the rest of the vehicle is not repaired to OEM measurements or specifications, the non-adjustable components may not fit properly, function as designed, or may affect the operation of other systems. Always follow OEM procedures and use up-to-date measuring systems/software to help ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
Back-To-Basics: Three-Dimensional Measurements And Welding With Loaded Suspension
Common Mistakes: Performing Wheel Alignments When Damage Still Exists
Three-Dimensional Measuring Equipment - Is It Really Necessary?
Related I-CAR Courses
-
Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Position Statements
Wednesday, 09 January 2019
Are you wondering if a particular OEM or organization has a published position statement on pre-repair and post-repair scanning? We have compiled a list of most of the position statements…
-
Toyota/Lexus/Scion Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
Thursday, 28 July 2016
As the industry continues to ask if pre- and post-repair system scanning is necessary, Toyota/Lexus/Scion provides their answer.
-
ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
Monday, 14 January 2019
Since advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), scanning, and calibration first started becoming relevant, members of the collision repair industry have required as much knowledge as possible on these subjects. I-CAR’s…
-
Restraints Wiring Repairs
Monday, 23 May 2016
Over the past few months, we've been sharing OEM position statements on restraints wiring repairs. Now we're bringing them all together in one place for easy reference.
-
Typical Calibration Requirements For Blind Spot Sensors
Wednesday, 19 October 2016
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system…
-
Honda/Acura Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE
Wednesday, 22 May 2019
Honda /Acura have updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning to give more clarification on what is expected for scanning.
-
Typical Calibration Requirements For Forward Radar Sensors
Wednesday, 12 October 2016
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system…
-
MIG Brazing What Is It, Why Should I Use It?
Monday, 02 June 2014
Why MIG Brazing? It is widely known that GMA welded; fully galvanized steel will lose some of its properties, including corrosion protection, due to the heat created during welding. OEMs…
-
FCA/Stellantis Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
Thursday, 09 June 2016
FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
-
Typical Calibration Requirements For Park Assist Sensors
Monday, 31 October 2016
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system…
-
Genesis: Who Requires Or Recommends MIG Brazing?
Friday, 29 September 2023
In Europe, MIG brazing has been required or recommended on a widespread basis for several years. In the U.S., MIG brazing is not as common but is becoming more prevalent.…
-
OEM Linking Pin: 2018-2023 GMC Terrain Quarter Panel Sectioning Location
Wednesday, 27 September 2023
As part of the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) OEM linking pin activity, we are helping to connect the collision repair industry to the vehicle makers. Recently, we had a…
-
I-CAR Just In Time: GM Exhaust Shield Fasteners
Tuesday, 26 September 2023
Sometimes seeing is understanding, that’s why I-CAR's technical team created the Just in Time video series to guide you through a variety of collision repair topics from ADAS and EVs…
-
Back-To-Basics: Door Handle Tools
Friday, 22 September 2023
Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Tools for the door handle might not sound exciting, but they can save you frustration…
-
OEM Emergency Response Guides: Rivian
Wednesday, 20 September 2023
Are you looking for OEM emergency response guides (ERGs)? The Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team has located these guides and either houses them on the RTS website, provides links to…
-
Locating ADAS Information: GM - UPDATE
Friday, 15 September 2023
As a collision repair technician, there is one part of a service manual that houses all of the information you would ever need…right? This is not the case with modern…
-
Hyundai/Genesis Releases Additional Body Repair Manuals: UPDATE
Thursday, 14 September 2023
Hyundai Motor America updated their approved body repair manuals (BRMs) available to the United States market. This includes both Hyundai and Genesis branded BRMs.
-
Structural Straightening On Tesla Vehicles: UPDATE
Wednesday, 13 September 2023
What should you do when a damaged Tesla comes into your repair facility? Can you measure it? Can it be straightened? What needs to be replaced?
-
I-CAR Repairers Realm: Ford Structural Sectioning Guidelines - Now Available
Friday, 08 September 2023
I-CAR had a discussion on Ford structural sectioning guidelines.
-
Calibration Research Tips: Honda/Acura Millimeter Wave Radar Mounting Position Inspection
Wednesday, 06 September 2023
While searching for information on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on an OEM repair information site, you may come across unique calibration procedures or events. These events can vary by…
- 2023
- September 2023 (11)
- August 2023 (12)
- July 2023 (9)
- June 2023 (12)
- May 2023 (12)
- April 2023 (11)
- March 2023 (13)
- February 2023 (10)
- January 2023 (11)
- 2022
- December 2022 (11)
- November 2022 (12)
- October 2022 (11)
- September 2022 (13)
- August 2022 (11)
- July 2022 (10)
- June 2022 (13)
- May 2022 (11)
- April 2022 (12)
- March 2022 (11)
- February 2022 (12)
- January 2022 (13)
- 2021
- December 2021 (15)
- November 2021 (12)
- October 2021 (13)
- September 2021 (15)
- August 2021 (12)
- July 2021 (16)
- June 2021 (17)
- May 2021 (14)
- April 2021 (14)
- March 2021 (21)
- February 2021 (15)
- January 2021 (14)
- 2020
- December 2020 (13)
- November 2020 (17)
- October 2020 (12)
- September 2020 (14)
- August 2020 (11)
- July 2020 (18)
- June 2020 (16)
- May 2020 (14)
- April 2020 (20)
- March 2020 (12)
- February 2020 (14)
- January 2020 (14)
- 2019
- December 2019 (13)
- November 2019 (19)
- October 2019 (25)
- September 2019 (20)
- August 2019 (22)
- July 2019 (23)
- June 2019 (21)
- May 2019 (19)
- April 2019 (20)
- March 2019 (21)
- February 2019 (21)
- January 2019 (18)
- 2018
- December 2018 (19)
- November 2018 (19)
- October 2018 (17)
- September 2018 (16)
- August 2018 (21)
- July 2018 (20)
- June 2018 (21)
- May 2018 (17)
- April 2018 (19)
- March 2018 (22)
- February 2018 (17)
- January 2018 (20)
- 2017
- December 2017 (13)
- November 2017 (15)
- October 2017 (19)
- September 2017 (20)
- August 2017 (20)
- July 2017 (18)
- June 2017 (23)
- May 2017 (20)
- April 2017 (15)
- March 2017 (18)
- February 2017 (11)
- January 2017 (13)
- 2016
- December 2016 (9)
- November 2016 (14)
- October 2016 (21)
- September 2016 (11)
- August 2016 (11)
- July 2016 (8)
- June 2016 (13)
- May 2016 (10)
- April 2016 (11)
- March 2016 (12)
- February 2016 (11)
- January 2016 (8)
- 2015
- December 2015 (9)
- November 2015 (8)
- October 2015 (9)
- September 2015 (7)
- August 2015 (11)
- July 2015 (10)
- June 2015 (8)
- May 2015 (8)
- April 2015 (9)
- March 2015 (8)
- February 2015 (9)
- January 2015 (11)
- 2014
- December 2014 (12)
- November 2014 (7)
- October 2014 (11)
- September 2014 (10)
- August 2014 (9)
- July 2014 (12)
- June 2014 (9)
- May 2014 (14)
- April 2014 (9)
- March 2014 (6)
- February 2014 (1)
- January 2014 (27)