Collision Vehicle Evaluation Checklist

When servicing load-bearing or wheel-supporting components on vehicles involved in a collision, damages on the suspension could remain undiscovered. These undiscovered damages may lead to severe damage in continued vehicle operation. Therefore, on accident vehicles, the listed components must be checked in the described manner and sequence, independent of performing an axle alignment. If no differences from the specified values were determined during an axle alignment, then no deformations of the suspension are present.

Visual inspection and function check of the steering system

• Visual inspection for deformations and cracks
• Check for play in tie rod joints and steering gear
• Visual inspection for faulty bellows and grease boots
• Check electric and hydraulic lines and hoses for chafe marks, cuts and kinks.
• Check hydraulic lines, threaded connections and steering gear for leaks
• Make sure the steering gear and lines are securely fastened.
• Check for correct function over the entire steering angle by turning the steering wheel from stop to stop. Steering wheel must be able to rotate an even force without getting caught.

Visual and Function Test for the Suspension

• Maintain the sequence of the following test steps.

• Check all components shown in the overviews for deformation, cracks and other damage.
• Replace the damaged components
• Perform a vehicle alignment on an approved alignment rack.

Visual and Function Test for Wheels, Tires

• Check for run-out and imbalance.
• Check tires for cuts and impact damage in the tread and on the sides. Refer to Tires, Evaluating .
• Check the tire pressure; for the correct tire pressure, refer to the tire pressure label on the driver side B-pillar or on the fuel filler door.

Replace the tire if the rim and/or the tire are damaged. This also applies when the crash details and damage to the vehicle point to possible non-visible damages.

Another deciding factor is the age of the tires: the tires must not be older than 6 years.

If in doubt:

• As soon as a safety risk cannot be ruled out, replace the tires.

Entire Vehicle

Check other vehicle systems, for example:

• Brake system including ABS
• Exhaust system and passenger protection by visual and function check

Test values, adjustment values and notes can be found in respective repair information.

The described test is for checking the suspension on a vehicle involved in a collision. The test does not cover the entire vehicle.

Electronic Vehicle Systems

Safety related systems, such as: ABS/EDS; Airbag; electronically controlled suspension systems; electro-mechanical; electro-hydraulic steering and other driver assist systems must be checked for possible stored fault messages using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester. If faults were stored in the DTC memory for the system mentioned, then these systems must be serviced according to the specifications in the repair information. After the repair of the respective systems check for DTC memory entries again. To ensure the correct function again.