Frame Straightening

When your vehicle has been in a collision, the frame may be bent even if the body looks mostly intact. A compromised frame throws off the vehicle's alignment, causes uneven tire wear, and makes panels fit poorly. You might notice the steering pulling or doors that don't close right. This is the situation homeowners face when they call us.

We begin by mounting the vehicle on a frame rack and securing it with clamps and chains. Using a computerized measuring system, we check every reference point against the factory specifications. Then we apply hydraulic pulls in controlled increments, gradually coaxing the metal back into alignment. After each pull, we remeasure to avoid over-correcting the structure.

The difficulty of a frame straightening job varies with the type of frame, unibody vehicles need a different approach than body-on-frame trucks. The severity of the bend, the location of the damage, and whether the metal has work-hardened all affect the time required. Access to the damaged area and the condition of surrounding components also influence the complexity and cost.

On the day of service, we clear the work area and set up the frame rack. No special preparation is needed from you. After straightening, we perform a final measurement check and clean up the shop area. You'll need to bring the vehicle back for a follow-up alignment check once the bodywork and paint are complete.