TB 9-2320-335-13&P
32-4. FRAME INSPECTION AND REPAIR (Cont'd)
4.
Bending repair:
WARNING
When performing frame rail straightening repairs accomplished
with power-driven mechanical or hydraulic means, all personnel
will stand clear of vehicle. Failure or malfunction of equipment
may cause injury to personnel.
(a) Do not attempt to repair a bend when:
(1) Buckling to a height of 1/4 in. (6 mm) on any one face of frame box is involved. If more than
one face of frame box is involved with bending, replace part.
(2) Bending also includes more than very minor twisting.
(3) Part is bent in two directions, replace part.
(4) Bending involves a collapse of one or more faces of frame box at a suspension or body
attachment point, replace part.
(b) When performing straightening repair with frame on vehicle:
(1) Use spreader plates or wood blocking to distribute chain force to avoid damage to frame box
section.
(2) Be sure to loosen sufficient length of frame to allow frame force points to move without
causing other damage.
(3) Restrain vehicle movement in both directions along line of force application.
(c) Vertical bends, except at end sections, require removal of frame rail or crossmember from
vehicle. Straightening is done by using before and after dimensional measurements.
(d) Application of bulk heating to frame components is not authorized; metal properties are
irreversibly degraded.
(e) At the conclusion of a bend repair, carefully inspect welds in vicinity of repair and area of force
application. Any evidence of cracking or chipping of welds must be repaired. (Refer to step 1.)
(f) Spot-paint repaired areas using Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC), following
TM 43-0139, Painting Instructions for Field Use.
5.
Front and rear wheel alignment checks (TM 9-2320-387-24-1) will be made after all frame repairs
are completed.
32-11
