Collision Vehicle Evaluation Checklist

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When servicing load-bearing or wheel-supporting components on accident vehicles, damages on suspension could remain undiscovered. These undiscovered damages may lead to heavy damages in continued vehicle operation. Therefore, on accident vehicles, the listed components must be checked in the described manner and sequence, independent of performing an axle alignment. If no deviations from the specified values were determined during an axle alignment, then no deformations of the chassis are present.

Visual and Function Check of Steering System

Visual check for deformations and cracks.
Check for play in tie rod joints and steering gear.
Visual inspection for faulty bellows and grease boots.
Check electric and hydraulic lines and hoses for chafe marks, cuts and kinks.
Check of hydraulic lines, threaded connections and steering gear for proper seal.
Make sure the steering gear and lines are securely fastened.
Check proper function through entire steering angle by turning steering wheel from stop to stop. Steering wheel must be rotary without hitching at equal force.

Visual and Function Check of Suspension

Observe the sequence of the following test steps!

Check all components shown in assembly overviews for deformation, cracks and other damages.
Replace damaged components.
Perform a vehicle alignment on a Volkswagen AG approved alignment rack.

Visual and Function Check for Wheels, Tires

Run-Out and Balance, Checking. Refer to WHEEL/TIRE VIBRATION, CAUSES AND SOLUTION .
Check tires for cuts and impact damage on tread and flanks. Refer to WHEEL/TIRE VIBRATION, CAUSES AND SOLUTION .
Check the tire pressure; for the correct tire pressure. Refer to the tire pressure label on the driver side B-pillar or on the fuel filler door.

Replace the tire if the wheel rim and/or the tire are damaged. This also applies when the course of the accident and damage on the vehicle points to possible non-visible damages.

Another criteria is the age of the tires: the tires must not be older than 6 years.

If in Doubt:

As soon as a safety risk cannot be ruled out, the tire(s) must be replaced.

Entire Vehicle

Check other vehicle systems, for example:

Brake system including ABS.
Exhaust system and passenger protection by visual and function check.

Test values, adjustment values and notes can be found in respective repair information/ELSA.

This test is for checking the chassis on a vehicle, that has been in a collision. The test does not cover the entire vehicle.

Electronic Vehicle Systems

Safety related systems, such as: ABS/EDS; Airbag; electronically controlled suspension systems; electro-mechanical; electro-hydraulic steering and other driver assist systems, must be checked for possible stored fault messages using Vehicle Diagnostic Tester. If faults were stored in the DTC memory for the system mentioned, then these systems must be serviced according to the specifications in the repair information/ELSA. After performing repairs, check the fault stored in the DTC memory of the affected system again, to make sure that proper function can be ensured again.