Car body frame: replacement and selection

When and why it is necessary to replace car body frame

Manufacturers do not limit service life of this car part by certain terms. The component is replaced when deep or long cracks appear on it, because of severe corrosion as well as in case of significant deformation.

The cause of mechanical damages requiring replacement of the car body frame is usually a road accident. Moreover, component deformation can be, for example, the result of wheel getting into a deep pothole. Appearance of corrosion on the component is usually caused by car usage and storage in high humidity conditions and frequent temperature changes as well as failure to use an anti-corrosion treatment.

Car body frame defects are indicated by gaps between car body elements, its distortion, in particular, near door and window openings, appearance of screeching sound in the suspension, worsening of road-holding ability during straight-line motion. Moreover, the characteristic defect sign of the car body frame is inability to adjust wheel alignment. If your car has no frame, but there are a subframe or an axle beam, you can learn about their defects by this sign as well.

Replacement of the vehicle frame is a laborious process, which, as a rule, requires demounting of many car body elements. This procedure should be performed at a service station using a lifting platform. After car body frame replacement you should adjust wheel alignment.

How to choose car body frame

According to design there are two main body frame types which are used on passenger cars: ladder frames and backbone chassis. The first ones consist of two frame side rails and several crossmembers.

A special feature of backbone chassis is a tube, which connects the engine crankcase and all transmission elements. Advantage of such devices is high ability to withstand loads, for example, when the car is used on uneven roads.

To buy the car body frame which will serve you long, prefer products of reliable manufacturers. High-quality products are made under the following brands: Blic, JP Group, Prasco, Van Wezel, Bugiad.

You should select the body frame according to the make, model, body type and production year of your car. Buying the subframe you should also take into account its mounting place: in the front or rear, in the lower or upper part. Moreover, important selection criteria are the type of the gearbox used and also specifications of the brake and steering systems.