Chassis repair and maintenance

The chassis of cars with an electric motor is not fundamentally different from conventional cars with internal combustion engines. But taking into account the fact that the weight of electric vehicles is 20–30% higher due to the mass of the battery, all elements of their chassis have a more robust design.

The chassis is subject to intense wear, because it bears the entire weight of the car and shock loads when driving on uneven roads. This technical system directly carries out the movement of the machine on the ground, dampens vibrations, noise, and participates in vehicle control, so wear of the chassis reduces or complicates this functionality.

What does the chassis of an electric vehicle consist of?

This system includes:

• Frame or body is a supporting structure on which the remaining vehicle systems are attached. Since body repair is now a separate category, it is conditionally bracketed when mentioned as a component of the chassis;
• The mover is wheels. This is what, through interaction with the environment, ensures the movement of the vehicle. It is typical that the repair of wheel elements such as tires or wheels, like the body, is also included in a separate type of service, for example tire fitting;
• Suspension is a structure that connects moving wheels to the body (frame). It includes beams, levers, shock absorbers, telescopic struts, the task of which is to hold the wheels, move them vertically when driving over uneven surfaces, and soften vibrations when driving (ensuring the comfort of the driver and passengers).

Diagnostics of the chassis of electric vehicles

Preventive inspection of the chassis of vehicles with an electric motor includes:

• Checking play in ball joints;
• Inspection of silent blocks;
• Assessment of spring tone during compression;
• Inspection of anthers;
• Checking the condition of bearings;
• Checking play in suspension parts and mechanisms.

All detected deviations from the normal state of the chassis must be eliminated, because its malfunction leads not only to a decrease in the comfort of passengers and the driver, but also to accidents that threaten life and health. Checking the chassis is a mandatory component of every pre-trip inspection, along with checking the brakes, steering and on-board lighting. In this regard, routine preventive diagnostics of this system should be carried out regardless of suspected malfunctions, preferably every 15 thousand km.

And the fact that the chassis requires urgent inspection is signaled by:

• Extraneous sounds (creaks, clicks, clanging) that were not there before;
• Deterioration in controllability and maneuverability of the electric vehicle;
• Geometric distortions of the body, wheels;
• Roll and sway of the car;
• Uneven tire wear;
• The machine pulls to the side when moving in a straight line;
• Shock absorber oil leakage.

Diagnostics of the chassis is also required in cases of purchasing a used car in order to determine its real condition, as well as after completing the mileage established by the manufacturer.

Chassis repair

Whatever the desire to save money, it is impossible to postpone the repair of the chassis after signs of its malfunction appear. Otherwise, incipient breakdowns will grow into the most serious problems and will require much more money than can be spent on their early elimination. On the other hand, a wheel that comes off on the road or an incorrect wheel alignment can cause a terrible accident, so the sooner you start repairs, the lower the costs and the higher the efficiency.

Repair of electric vehicle chassis includes:

• Replacement of shock absorber struts. Even if they are intact, their resource is exhausted, because... the racks lose their energy intensity and simply stop performing their functions;
• Installation of new independent suspension arms;
• Replacement of ball joints, and it is best if the original bearings are installed;
• Replacement of stabilizer struts, which are responsible for overcoming roll when cornering and body stability;
• Replacement of sagging springs - knocking and noticeable impacts when moving over bumps and holes indicate that their service life has expired;
• Setting the correct angular value of the wheels - adjusting the wheel alignment. Uneven or increased tire wear, the car pulling to the side, wheels lifting off the road surface when turning, deterioration in directional stability and difficulty in steering are typical signs of the need for such adjustment. This stage of chassis repair should be described in more detail.

Why is wheel alignment necessary?

Each repair of the chassis must end with setting the correct angle of inclination of the wheels relative to the vertical (camber) and rotation of the wheels (toe) relative to the longitudinal plane of the vehicle. Currently, wheel alignment adjustment is performed using modern stands, the most advanced and accurate of which is considered a 3D computer stand. Its advantages are the highest accuracy, automation and minimal operator intervention.

Thanks to the use of a 3D stand, after repairing the chassis, an electric vehicle can regain controllability, normalize tire wear and charge consumption, and ensure safety and predictability on the road.

Why should you contact us for chassis repairs?

Repair of electric vehicle chassis is one of our regular services, the result of which we have brought to perfection using a 3D stand. Advanced equipment, qualified craftsmen, clear pricing, extensive experience and a guarantee for all types of work are sufficient reasons to take advantage of our offers.