TB 9-2320-335-13&P
32-4. FRAME INSPECTION AND REPAIR (Cont'd)
(d) Decisions as to whether or not to repair frame will be made in accordance to the following
factors:
(1) Provisions of TB 750-98-23 regarding time and materials versus replacement.
(2) Supply and operational considerations.
(3) Appropriate facilities available.
(4) Personnel skill levels.
(5) Influence of other collateral repairs that may be required to return the vehicle to a
serviceable condition.
(6) Buckled frame rails with both vertical and horizontal bending are extremely difficult to
repair; item should be replaced.
(7) Twisted frame rails generally are unrepairable; replace item.
(8) Frame rails that are bent upward, resulting in torn metal in bottom of rail, must be welded
and have a welded-on fishplate repair. If fishplate would block mounting parts and bolt
holes, replace frame rail.
c.1. Steering Gear Mounting Area Inspection
NOTE
The inspection criteria is focused on the area surrounding the
steering gear mounting tubes, commonly referred to below as
bosses. They are located on the front left-hand frame rail. Tubes
are welded in holes through the frame rail, accommodating the
steering gear mounting bolts. Inside and outside frame rails in
this area have experienced stress-cracking stemming from the
steering gear mounting tubes. Stress cracks can be radial,
tangential, transverse, and/or longitudinal, with some cases in the
boss welds themselves.
1.
Inspect steering gear mounting area as follows:
(a) Inspect all welds around bosses on inside and outside frame rails. Ensure boss welds are not
undercut or undersized.
(b) Inspect surface between all bosses on inside, outside, top, and bottom of frame rails.
(c) It may be necessary on suspect cracks to remove all paint.
(d) Perform dye penetration test on any cracks found to locate ends of cracks and secondary cracks.
NOTE
Cracks in boss welds are repairable. Secondary cracks are
repairable, provided they meet criteria outlined is steps a and b.
2.
Identify cracks in steering gear mounting area as follows:
(a) Tangential or radial cracks extending from/to any bosses and completely accessible are
repairable if four inches long or less.
(b) Vertical and longitudinal cracks extending between any bosses are repairable if six inches long
or less.
NOTE
Frame rails are not repairable if they have secondary cracks that
exceed the repair criteria, or cracks are present where the frame
was previously repaired using a fish plate/support plate/repair plate.
(c) For any cracks found on top or bottom surface of frame rail, refer to task c.
32-8
