Land Rover Discovery: Body Measurements

Measuring options

• Comparison measurements can also be made on the outside of the body.

  Depending on the damage, comparison measurements and diagonal measurements can be carried out using compass, telescopic rod, tape measure or ruler.

NOTE:

The same reference points must be chosen on both sides when checking for changed dimensions (e.g. bores, edges, beads/swage lines etc.).

All of the important external body dimensions are listed in Tolerance Checks.

For additional information, refer to: Body and Frame (501-26 Body Repairs - Vehicle Specific Information and Tolerance Checks, Description and Operation).

• Measurements with a measuring/straightening jig.
• A measuring/straightening jig is required for accurate measurements of the body. The measuring systems are categorized by their means of operation:
• Mechanical measuring system.
• Optical measuring system

Quick and accurate measuring results can be obtained using computerized measuring systems.

A minimum of three intact measuring points on the body are required for measurements of length, width and height dimensions.

In some cases this may mean making the measuring points accessible. All of these measuring systems can be used to make body measurements, provided all the equipment is available.

PLANNING A REPAIR

The following decisions have to be made before the repairs are started:

• Does the vehicle need to be put on a straightening jig, or can it be straightened by other means?
• Does the body need to be measured?
• Do aggregates like engine or axles need to be removed?

NOTE:

It is preferable to repair body parts rather than to renew them, as this keeps the complete body-shell intact.

Which body parts need to be renewed?

• Which body parts can be repaired?

BATTERY CARE STANDARDS

To ensure the correct maintenance actions are carried out before and during a repair.

For additional information, refer to: Battery Care Requirements (414-00 Battery and Charging System - General Information, Description and Operation).

OBTAINING SPARE PARTS

The availability of service parts often determines how easily the body repairs can be carried out. The following procedure is recommended:

• Obtain all the data for the vehicle, including type, vehicle identification number, trim code, engine identification letters, initial registration etc.
• Establish all of the metal parts that need to be renewed.
• Establish all of the attached parts that need to be renewed, including small parts like rivets, clips etc.

STRAIGHTENING REPAIRS

WARNING:

The use of heat when pulling to straighten body panels, (such as side members), is not recommended. Longitudinal pulling, (hot or cold), is also not recommended. A small amount of side to side pull is permissible, (cold).

A panel must retain its strength and integrity, if there is any doubt the panel must be renewed.

Straightening repairs are often required to restore the body to its original shape after an accident. This can be done with:

• Alignment jigs.
• Universal straightening and measuring jigs.
• Welding jig system.

The following points must be followed to ensure that the repairs are carried out professionally and that all the dimensions are correct after the repairs have been carried out.

Structure:

• The repair sequence depends on the individual repair plan (taking any necessary disassembly work into account).
• Clean the attachment areas.
• Anchor the vehicle free of stress on the relevant system.
• Support the aggregates to take strain off the body.
• Decide on at least three measuring/mounting points that are undamaged and as far apart as possible (for basic adjustment).
• Check the dimensions of the measuring/mounting points

Straightening:

Check dimensions and gaps continuously during straightening.

NOTE:

Check dimensions and gaps continuously during straightening.

A body is always straightened in the opposite direction to that of the impact. Always carry out straightening repairs with the complete body shell assembled (do not cut out any parts beforehand). Carry out the straightening work in several stages. This prevents the risk of over stretching or of welded joints tearing out. During the individual straightening steps, relieve tension by striking with an aluminum hammer while the part is subjected to a tensile load (in the area of predetermined folding points, dents, welded joins etc.).

Special features:

• Ultra high strength steel cannot be straightened due to its brittleness and must always be replaced.

Fixings

There are two groups of fixings used, other than conventional nuts and bolts. It is important that the correct procedures are followed for the removal and replacement of these fixings and, where applicable, the correct tools are used.

• Self-Piercing Rivet (SPR)
• Breakstem Fastener (BSF)

Accident Damage and DiagnosisSelf-piercing Rivet (SPR)

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