Structural Sectioning Procedures: Porsche

Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the sectioning procedure? Most OEMs allow sectioning to outer body panels and the front and rear rails. Sectioning reinforcements is not as common, as most reinforcements are replaced at factory seams.

Parts are made from various materials including HSS, UHSS, aluminum, and carbon fiber. These parts also have complex designs to collapse or transfer collision forces in a specific manner. Introducing a sectioning joint to many of these parts will alter how the part reacts to those collision forces. For this reason, sectioning a part is only allowed if supported by vehicle maker repair information. Let’s see what Porsche says about structural sectioning.

Vehicle-specific Porsche body repair manuals offer procedures for sectioning of various structural parts. Typically located at the beginning of each procedure is a list of the various tools and equipment that will be needed to complete the repair. Depending on the specific procedure, it will also include what preliminary work will need to be completed with a frame rack. Each procedure also includes safety precautions.

However, it is crucial to pay attention to the various informational sections throughout the entire procedure. For example, in the rear rail sectioning procedure for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne, one note states, “All straightening work on the body in the connection area of the sheetmetal parts to be replaced must be completed before the damaged parts are removed.”

The type of sectioning joint used will be dependent on the specific repair procedure being referenced. Also use the vehicle-specific body repair manual to determine which type of welding is required for the repair you are performing. Failure to follow OEM procedures will sacrifice the safety and quality of the repair.

Porsche vehicle-specific body repair manuals can be found at: pcss-tsi.porsche.com

For additional links, check out the Porsche OEM page.

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Article validated in 2025