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When repairing a vehicle, there are several questions that always need to be answered before and during the repair process. Things like what parts can be straightened, can heat be used to straighten, what type of sectioning joint should be used, and precautions for welding are a few of the important questions. To aid in answering these questions Toyota/Lexus has a document that provides answers.
Toyota/Lexus Collision Repair Information Bulletin (CRIB) #161 - Collision Damage Repair Precautions, lists many different dos and don’ts for repairing Toyota/Lexus vehicles. Repair operations that are in the “DO NOT” repair category include intrusion beams, bumper reinforcements, and kinks. According to the document, all of these components require replacement.
Toyota/Lexus also wants open butt joints for all sectioning joints. Per Toyota CRIB #161, “Sleeves and inserts will have a negative effect on crash energy management designs.” The CRIB also states that any time welding is performed, the 12 V battery should be disconnected, any ECUs within 18 inches of a weld zone be removed, and the SRS computer be disconnected.
Always refer to Toyota/Lexus service information for the most up-to-date CRIB information.
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