Collision diagnosis

Before carrying out body repair on a vehicle, even one that appears only slightly damaged, it is necessary to perform a series of checks:

• VISUAL CHECK

This check consists of examining the underbody around the mechanical mountings and in the crumple or vulnerable zones in order to detect the presence of deformation creases.

• GAUGE CHECK

The visual check may be supplemented by a gauge check, which allows certain deformations to be measured by symmetrical comparison (for more detail on each point to be checked, refer to the repair bench section below).

• CHECKING THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT GEOMETRY

This is the only check that determines whether the impact sustained by the vehicle has or has not affected its road handling.

Important: in borderline cases, do not neglect to check the running gear components, which may also have been deformed.

As a rule, no welded element forming part of the body shell must be replaced without first making sure that the underbody has not been affected by the impact.

GAUGING POINTS

Point G1:

Rear section of front side member.

The reference point for checking points (C) and (C1).

Points C and C1:

Front subframe mounting and front end of side member.

Point G:

Rear end of front side member.

The reference point for checking points (A) and (B).

Point B:

Front point of rear axle.

Point J:

Rear end of rear side member.

Right-hand side

Requires partial removal of the exhaust silencer mounting clamp.

Left-hand side

Requires partial removal of the fuel filler neck mounting.