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VARIANCES: GRAPHICS/SPECIFICATIONS
Graphics
The Graphics displayed by the Laser Lock Live Mapping system are of high quality and have been checked for accuracy, but may not
reflect the vehicle’s actual appearance in every detail. Variances may exist as a result of changes made by vehicle manufacturers or
details omitted as a result of space limita- tions.
Specifications Versus Vehicle Measurements
A vehicle’s final measurements may vary from specifications listed and still be aligned correctly. Variances between vehicle measure-
ments and specifications result from one or a combination of the following conditions:
• Vehicle specifications are compiled from vehicle manufacturer’s engineering drawings and/or the mea- suring of new (undamaged)
vehicles.
• Most vehicle manufacturers control only a small number of reference points on vehicle’s lower structure. These reference points
are commonly referred to as master control points, class one control points, prin- ciple locating points, etc. Each of these control
points is usually held to a tolerance of plus or minus 3mm in three dimensions (length, width, height). Other reference points have
a larger tolerance, but generally, a tolerance of plus or minus 5mm in three dimensions (length, width, height) is considered ‘normal’
according to Chief Automotive Technologies experience. In Arrow Display Mode, reference point measurements that exceed toler-
ance appear in ‘red’ whereas those falling within tolerance appear in ‘blue’.
• Some reference points used for dimensioning the same make and model of vehicle vary from one manufacturing plant to another.
Also, periodic manufacturing improvements can affect the location of points used for dimensioning.
Key points to remember when realigning a vehicle:
• Length and width dimensions on each side of vehicle should be within plus or minus 3mm of each other when control or reference
points are symmetrical. Frequently, the height at front and rear of vehicle will exceed this tolerance according to Chief Automotive
Technologies experience.
• When excessive pressure is needed near end of realignment process, and when area around spot welds begins to deform, ‘stop
pulling’ and ‘re-evaluate the repair’. This situation usually occurs when a vehicle’s components were not placed on specification
during manufacture. In this case, continuing to pull in an attempt to achieve an exact specification may actually damage the vehicle.
• When a vehicle’s dimensions vary beyond ‘normal’ tolerances, it is the repair technician’s responsibili- ty to determine if dimensional
variances will affect suspension and steering alignment, the safe operation and handling of vehicle, and alignment of body panels.
Summary of Contents for LASER LOCK
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