GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Table 1: Sag
Table 2: Buckle
Table 3: Side Sway
Table 4: Diamond
Table 5: Twist
Table 6: Improper Tracking
Table 7: Cracks in the Web of the Rails

Sag

Problem

Action

The vehicle is overloaded.

Straighten and reinforce the frame. Refer to Frame Straightening Description .

The load distribution of the vehicle is uneven.

Abrupt changes in section modulus.

Improper body or accessory mounting, including the following situations:

    • Holes drilled in the flange of the frame rail
    • Too many holes in the web section of the rail
    • More than four holes in the same vertical line of the rail web
    • Welds on the flange, particularly across the flange or along the edge of the flange
    • Cutting holes in the rail with a torch
    • Cutting notches anywhere on the rails

A vehicle fire.

A vehicle collision.

The use of improper equipment.

Buckle

Problem

Action

Operating an overloaded dump truck with the box raised.

Straighten and reinforce the frame. Refer to Frame Straightening Description .

The surging of liquids in a tank truck.

A vehicle collision.

A vehicle fire.

Abrupt changes in section modulus.

Side Sway

Problem

Action

A vehicle collision.

Straighten and reinforce the frame. Refer to Frame Straightening Description .

A vehicle fire.

Abrupt changes in section modulus.

Diamond

Problem

Action

A vehicle collision.

Straighten and reinforce the frame. Refer to Frame Straightening Description .

Towing another vehicle with a chain attached to one corner of the frame.

Twist

Problem

Action

A vehicle collision.

Straighten and reinforce the vehicle. Refer to Frame Straightening Description .

Operating the vehicle on excessively rough terrain.

Improper Tracking

Problem

Action

The frame is not aligned properly.

Straighten and reinforce the frame. Refer to Frame Straightening Description .

Shifting of the front or rear axle.

Realign and secure the axle.

The wheels are out of alignment.

Align the wheel. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

Cracks in the Web of the Rails

Problem

Action

Loose crossmember attaching bolts.

Replace, or weld and reinforce the rail.

Stress concentration. Refer to Minimizing Frame Service Description .

  1. Ream the bolt holes and install larger bolts if necessary.
  2. Tighten the bolts. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .