Straightening steel components in the structure

• High-strength and super-high-strength steel plates as a rule cannot be reshaped. Reshaping only serves as a preparatory measure to replacing the component in order to achieve optimal joining of the connection areas.
• Bearing body parts such as e.g. engine mounts, door pillars, frame side members etc. with deformations which can no longer be returned to their original shape by "cold straightening" must be replaced.

  Heating bearing body parts for better reshaping is not permitted! 

  Failure to comply with this requirement would result in a loss of original strength of up to 40 %.

• The body must be anchored as follows for reshaping: 

  If using vehicle-specific/universal attachments (Car-O-liner/Celette), it is necessary to secure the body with 4 retaining clips to the spot flange of the door sill or to the 4 jacking points. The spot flange (if available) is to be preferred.

  If using universal electronic or mechanical straightening systems (Car-O-liner/Celette), it is necessary to secure the body with 4 retaining clips to the spot flange of the entrance or to the 4 jacking points. The spot flange (if available) is to be preferred. In addition anchor at least 2 points with the securing set  .

  Failure to comply with these instructions will result in damage to the body during reshaping in non-damaged areas. Vehicle-specific alignment brackets and universal mounts may be damaged.

• Repairs affecting the attachment points of assemblies and chassis/suspension components must be carried out on the straightening bench with the matching set of attachments set or data sheet for the vehicle.

  Alignment brackets and data sheets are also available for the top section, e.g.: door pillars, soft top mounts, windshield panel, tailgate hinges, etc.

• Check windshield and rear window apertures for curvature by inserting the original glass.
• Take the gap dimensions for doors, hood and trunk lid from the relevant GAP DIMENSION DIAGRAM .

1.0 Recommended tools. 

Only use those tools designed for steel repairs (refer to WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT ).

2.0 Straightening outer skin. 

• "Cold" straightening: Press dents out from their center and smooth in an inwards direction with gentle taps.

  In the case of small, soft dents (hail and parking damage), this is also possible without damaging the paintwork. This requires special tools and properly trained employees.

• In the event of damage that is only accessible from one side it is possible to use a dent removal system featuring welding.
• Avoid cracking.
• Avoid hardening and overstretching.
• Prevent overheating small areas of the outer skin.
• When the surface exhibits an unevenness no greater than 2 mm after straightening, putty compound can be used to even out the area.

  Unevenness greater than 2 mm with metal putty.

  NOTE: Only applicable within the European Union!

  European used-vehicle regulations prohibit the use of tin containing lead in vehicles introduced after 01.07.2003!

• For high-security vehicle, note the special information in the repair instructions!

2.1 Straightening the wheel arch (rear quarter panel). 

Vehicles in which the wheel arch is not welded but bonded and beaded can be straightened.

This is possible in the following situations:

• Rear quarter panel (wheel arch) is not torn in the area of the bonding. Welding in this area is not permissible.
• The outer skin has not become separated from the outer wheel arch section.

In general, the following applies:

When performing straightening work on the wheel arch, apply sealant to the inside. After straightening, the area must be primed and resealed with sealant D1. Protect from the inside using cavity sealant.