Damaged side member in the car - repair or replacement?

Stringers in a car are an important component of the body. This is the bearing part of the structure, responsible for its rigidity and resistance to bending. The body without stringers is incomplete and such a car is suitable for restoration. What is the function of a stringer? Is it better to replace the faulty one or repair it? Find out in this article!

What kind of stringers are in the car?

The name of the device comes from the direction of the element that runs along the vehicle. That is, the frame structure consists of stringers, cross members and components reinforcing the entire structure. stringer in the car also called stringer.

What does a stringer design look like?

This element is used not only in car bodies, but also in airplanes and small helicopters. Stringer in such structures it has the form of sections with different cross sections. Parts are attached from the inside of the cover to the wing or fuselage of the aircraft. In aircraft, this component performs the same function as in cars, that is, it is a frame that stiffens the wings and fuselage. In order not to weigh down the vehicles, this equipment is made of lightweight materials.

Buying a used car - pay attention to the stringer

Buying a used car is a big responsibility, especially since sellers often misrepresent the truth about a vehicle, which can be cruel when using the car all the time. When buying a car, it is necessary to carefully inspect it and check the history of the vehicle. Pay attention to:

• mileage - the number of kilometers traveled will tell a lot about the condition of the car;
• wear marks - most often such traces are visible on the steering wheel and on the gear knob. It is impossible to hide the wear of materials without repairing the steering wheel, so you should pay special attention to this part of the car;
• body - this element is extremely important. Carefully inspect the body. Pay special attention to rust. A heavily damaged vehicle should be released. Another important component is a working stringer, without which the vehicle will not have the proper rigidity.

How to check the condition of the body?

You have to be careful about buying wrecked cars because even though they look refurbished, car repair costs can be high. Often during an accident stringer it tenses up, and if you don't notice it, problems may arise.

Body

The most difficult thing is to cover up traces of body repair. It is definitely impossible to hide body restoration in places such as the engine compartment or trunk. A common cause of engine disassembly is a blow to the engine. stringer. A blow to this component will usually form a large wrinkle that is difficult to remove without throwing the engine out for a while. Faulty stringers in a car are easy to spot, and you'll want to avoid costly and time-consuming repairs. How to repair or replace this component so that it does not cause more serious failures?

Car after an accident - do I need to replace the side member?

Often, cars under 10 years old that you can buy used are accident-prone. Their condition is not the best. New sheet metal parts are usually replacements. Broken elements are puttied and puttied. Similarly, straightening the body and stringer repair. As a result, key structural elements are weakened.

Repairing a rusty stringer - step by step

Rusty stringers are a problem for many drivers. This condition of the components can make the vehicle less efficient. In this case, sheet metal repair is necessary. This is where a Migomat welding machine comes in handy. Remember that the electrode is not suitable in this case, because the undesirable effect of corrosion will return after two years. You will also need:

• angle grinder;
• blade for cutting metal;
• metal grinding wheel.

Repair materials needed

stringer repair would be impossible without a few elements. it: 

• sheet 1-2 mm;
• primer based on epoxy resins;
• chassis maintenance agent;
• agent for saving private profiles;
• compressor with accessories, if the above materials are in a can and not in a spray.

What to do - step by step

1. First you need to remove the rear suspension, because the damage is in one place. It is worth checking the entire stringer and taking care of every detail. If you don't want to remove the entire suspension, you can remove just the rear springs.
2. Then carefully clean the area of ​​the problem to determine exactly what the problem is.
3. Rusted stringer components must be pulled out.
4. If possible, brush it from the inside (preferably with a longer brush).
5. Insert healthy sheet metal and start welding the stringers.
6. Insert the spring cup and weld.
7. bet.
8. Save outside and inside.

Stringer repair - cost

What to do if the stringer is broken? The cost of repairing a stringer is a penny. It is worth buying the right equipment and enjoying the effect over the next years of using the vehicle. Price stringer replacement or a tinsmith's repair costs several hundred zlotys. If you have a migomat at home or know someone who knows how to use it, you can save some money and make it yourself.

A stringer is an important component of a car's body structure, so damage shouldn't be underestimated. It is responsible for the rigidity of the vehicle, so when buying a car, pay attention to its condition. Sometimes even replacing a rusty stringer will not be necessary, because only part of it can be replaced. Our advice will help you in your work in case of problems!