Body Misalignment Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Never apply heat to the bumper energy absorbers. Heat could cause the material in the absorbers to expand and flow out of the absorbers or crack the metal housing. Always remove the absorbers before carrying out body frame service near them. Never use a bumper energy absorber for pulling.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to correct any serious misalignment with a pulling/pushing operation. Damage to the structure could occur.

CAUTION: In case of severe or sharp bends, it may be necessary to use heat. Any attempt to cold-straighten a severely bent bracket may cause ruptures of the welds. It may also cause cracks in the bent part. Never heat the area to more than 650°C (l,200°F). Always use temperature-indicating crayons when applying heat to any part.

NOTE: All measurements should be made from the bare metal; remove the trim and bumper covers as necessary.

NOTE: The subframe is not meant to be straightened. If structural damage occurs to the subframe, a new subframe should be installed.

Repair the badly damaged areas before taking measurements for underbody alignment.
To check the underbody alignment, take the measurements between opposite reference points, such as crease lines or weld joints.
Monitor the upper body structure for excessive stress or movement while making any corrections to the underbody structure. Remove all the necessary glass to prevent breakage. For additional information, refer to GLASS, FRAMES AND MECHANISMS .