Frame and Chassis   24 HOUR TOW       SERVICE  412 - 793 - 8108   We do trailers...

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  412 - 793 - 8108

 We do trailers too!

Arrow Automotive Mechanics: Are trained to inspect body sheet metal, frame and chassis or uni-body construction during the state inspection service. We look carefully for any possible cracks in frame, rusted mounts, fuel delivery lines, brake lines, steering mounts, shock and spring mounts. We also inspect potential rust damage under the uni-body chassis, where welds can become weak and cause structural failure.

The  uni-body construction is unique because it requires the chassis to be precision built around a non-frame based vehicle. This construction may, over time become weak as welds are challenged by daily vehicle use and harsh weather related driving.
It is important that uni-body vehicles remain road salt free underneath the body. The salt can attack welds and over time, destroy the support mains along the side body panels. This is especially true when it comes to mini-vans and sport utility wagons.
Body on Chassis vehicles, such as utility wagons and light duty trucks are built onto a frame. The CAB or CABIN is generally mounted to the chassis with large rubber mounts at all roll points. The FRAME is a complete rolling chassis prior to body application. This creates a heavier vehicle, but a more rigid vehicle. The frame inspection requires a total investigation, however it remains as important if not more so than uni-body designs. Most uni-body vehicles are front wheel driven, while frame vehicles are driven at the rear. The image shows points that our technicians inspect for rust or cracks. These points are located at high stress areas along the chassis. On FWD vehicles, the forward frame horns can crack and cause poor steering control. These units can be repaired. The components shown in "blue" are readily available parts.
The frame and chassis inspection includes:
 REAR: A complete inspection for rust, cracks or torn shock and spring
 mounts.This includes all lines, hydraulic, brake and fuel. Gas tank straps, spring  
 hangers, exhaust brackets and body cross members.
 FRONT: We inspect for all steering brackets, motor mounts, cross-members
 and transmission mounts. Steering mounts, shock and spring seats. Upper and lower
 control arm mounting points.
 On UNI-BODY vehicles we inspect for rear axle hangers, shock and spring mounts. Gas tank mounts . All
 fuel and brake lines are inspected. We look for excessive rust at sub-frame points along the cabin.. Up
 front we inspect the engine cradle. Most all axle components are mounted to this assembly. We look for
 cracked or worn engine mounts. We check all shock and strut towers for rust and cracks.
 Note that this complete look-over is also done during "steering and suspension" inspection. This vehicle 
 review is done on all vehicles, auto, utility or light and medium trucks.