High-tension Steel Sheet Framed Area and Precautions for Its Repair
The new high-tension steel sheet has greater tensioner strength than the conventional high-tension steel sheet. Although it's a thinner sheet, it maintains the same strength capacity as the previous thicker ones. Because the manufacturing press process has improved, the usage area has expanded. For this vehicle, the new high-tension steel sheet is used for its main frame and its cabin construction part to make the new model lightweight and strengthen the safety capacity of the high crush absorption frame.
When repairing the new high-tension steel sheet, note the following items:
  • The new high-tension steel parts of the frame are all spot welded together. In order to disassemble, drill a hole in the sections that are spot welded together with a very sharp spot weld bit.
  • The new high-tension steel sheet is rigid compared to the older dated steel sheets, making it difficult to strengthen. When an automobile's frame is partially constructed with the new high-tension steel sheet, it should be strengthened using an accurate frame straightening system. Inspect the body and frame once the repair is complete for stress related damage to the sections that are not made from the new high-tension steel.
  • High-tension steel has more memory than normal steel and it will be necessary to monitor the body dimensions closely during the straightening process.
  • Spot welding is a acceptable for replacement parts as long as the proper number of welds is used in the repair. For replacement part welding locations, refer to ‘‘Replacement'' in this manual. If spot welding does not provide acceptable repairs, plug the welds using an MIG welder.