TechnicianVision · Knowledge base
Repairer Driven News: Pulling and Repair Tolerances
I-CAR · April 5, 2018
Summary
This article highlights the critical nature of proper vehicle setup, measuring, and pulling strategies, emphasizing that technicians must understand three-dimensional pulling dynamics. It also clarifies that a standard 3 mm repair tolerance means the total variance between any two points cannot exceed 3 mm, warning that a +3 mm deviation at one point and a -3 mm deviation at another creates an unacceptable 6 mm total variance.
What to do on the job
Measure and pull vehicles in three dimensions, ensuring that the total variance between any two measured points does not exceed the OEM tolerance limit (e.g., a +/- 3 mm tolerance means the cumulative difference between points cannot exceed 3 mm).
How to use it
Use this document to justify the necessary labor time for meticulous 3D measuring and setup during structural repairs. It serves as an authoritative reference to defend why a vehicle cannot simply be 'close enough' or within a loose interpretation of +/- 3 mm, as cumulative deviations can exceed OEM tolerances and compromise structural integrity and ADAS alignment.
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