Repairing Major Body Damage - Body Damage Inspection
1.
Body Damage Inspection
Check the damaged portion of the vehicle visually and by feel to estimate the extent of the collision damage.
1.
Observe the entire vehicle and count the number of impacts, evaluate their magnitude and determine the damage sequence.
2.
Check external damage and deformation Observe the vehicle from the front, rear, and sides and check lateral and vertical bends, twists, out-of true lines on the side view, and body high spots or depressions. Also check panel deformation away from the impact areas.
3.
Check the alignment (fit/finish) of the exterior body parts Close doors, hood and trunk lid to carefully inspect the gap, steps and clearance against the adjoining panels, and check for any striker contact while opening and closing.
4.
Check for damage caused by passengers and cargo:
Inspect for secondary damage caused by crash inertia.
Inspect the damage to steering, instrument panel, seat and seat belt in the passenger compartment.
Also inspect the for deformation of body panel in the trunk or cargo area caused shifting cargo.
5.
Check the engine compartment:
Check deformation or damaged:
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Engine mounts.
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Transmission mounts and brackets.
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Contact between auxiliary systems and the body.
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Wiring harnesses pinching or damage.
Check for deformation in each part of the body and for sealer cracking or peeling from any welded joints.
6.
Check the under body:
Lift the vehicle and check for damage in the suspension or the sub frame.
Check for leakage of engine oil, coolant, transmission and brake fluids.
Check for deformation in each part of the body and for sealer cracking or peeling from any welded joints.
7.
Check the vehicle system functions:
Start the engine and check whether any abnormal vibrations, noise, or contact noise exists.
Operate the clutch, brake pedal, parking brake lever and the shift lever to check their function. Operate all electrical lighting and accessory systems to check their function.
