Damaged Steering or Suspension System Mounting Locations

Details Posted on 07 January 2015 | Share: | Print

What does I-CAR say about damaged steering or suspension mounting locations?

This is one of those questions that continues to come in on a regular basis. Since the answer to whether a damaged mount area can be repaired is not always clear, repair choice considerations should be evaluated. For example:

• is the repair under continual stress? If the damage is in an area that moves as the vehicle travels on the road or every time the steering wheel turns, it could be damaged again.
• what is the chance for repeat damage? This not only includes parts in continual motion, but in vulnerable areas if there is another collision.
• are there any safety-related parts involved? Damage to mounting locations of parts that, if not mounted correctly, could cause the vehicle to lose control or lessen the chance of a safe turn or stop, is a consideration.
• is there access for welding or another procedure?
• will there be access to apply corrosion protection?
• are there any OEM warnings against the repair? The part should not be repaired if there are warnings against it. Also, the vehicle maker may not have any recommendation for repair, at least to the bracket or mounting part itself. With damage to mounting areas, especially suspension or steering mounting areas, whether to repair and how to repair becomes a business decision, since every type of damage is unique and there are limited OEM recommendations.

These considerations are not just for mounting locations on full-frames. These are considerations for mounting locations that become damaged on unibodies as well.

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