Frame Repair & Unibody Repair for Customers in Collinsville & Throughout The St. Louis Metro-East Area!
Is something off about your vehicle? Have you recently sustained damage in an accident? If so, you could have damage to your frame that affects everything from how straight your vehicle will drive to uneven wear on your tires. At McLanahan Collision Center, we provide frame straightening and frame repair service for customers in Collinsville, IL and throughout the St. Louis Metro-East communities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Granite City, Maryville, Troy, and all surrounding areas. As a family-owned business, we understand your need for fast, expert service that keeps your vehicle on the road. From simple repairs to major frame straightening, see why people all over choose McLanahan!
Symptoms of a damaged frame
When it comes to the frame of your vehicle, it could be damaged, and you may never notice. Frame damage can develop as a result of a collision or car accident, or it can develop over time due to poor maintenance of the vehicle and other problems. Make sure you’re on the lookout for frame problems to limit the cost of repairs. The symptoms of a damaged frame include the following:
- Visible damage to the frame can be seen
- Car alignment is off
- Unusual noises (rattling, grinding, rubbing, etc.)
- Uneven wear on shocks, suspension, tires, or brakes
- Factory parts don’t fit the vehicle correctly
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How to check for car frame damage
The best way to check for frame damage is to have your vehicle inspected by an auto body professional. While a personal inspection may do the job, a professional will understand where to look, what to listen for, and other specific things that could lead them to a problem that you’ll never be able to find on your own.
If you must attempt to find the problem yourself, it’s best to start small by visually inspecting the parts of the frame that you can see and taking short test drives to monitor noises and other things that may alert you to a problem.
Types of Vehicle Frames
- Ladder Frames – ‘Ladder frames’ or ‘body-on-body frames’ are largely used in older vehicles, towing vehicles, load-carrying vehicles, and off-road vehicles. This type of frame uses two different components to make up the frame and resists twisting better than a unibody frame.
- Unibody Frames – Unibody frames are constructed of one piece of material and are generally lighter than ladder frames, which allows for improved fuel efficiency, handling, and comfort. They are also considered safer because the force of any collision is absorbed by the entire body of the vehicle.
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Frame Repair FAQ
Can I still drive my car?
Yes, you can still drive your car if the damage is not extensive. However, you may notice uneven wear of your tires, strange sounds, or that your vehicle pulls to one side or the other. You cannot drive your vehicle with severe frame damage.
Can a bent frame be fixed?
Yes, our trained professionals use state-of-the-art hydraulic equipment to push the frame back to its factory specifications.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the frame repair service is mostly dependent on your type of vehicle and how extensive the damage is. Additionally, your insurance company likely covers some of the damage, which means you’ll pay your deductible for the price of the repairs.
How do I get started?
Get started by calling McLanahan Collision Center for a free estimate of your auto body repair needs.