Ford F-150 2015 - Aluminum Straightening And Repair

Module�2�-�AluminumTextbook
2015�Ford�F-150�Structural�Repair�Training�Course�(FOR06) 25
there�are�some�limited�examples
of�cast�pillars.
• suspension�parts�and�mounting
locations.�This�includes�control
arms,�knuckles,�and�subframes.
• wheels,�rear�end�housings,
transmission�cases,�and�engine
blocks.
Characteristics�of�castings�include:
• they�are�not�repairable.
• depending�where�the�casting�is
used,�parts�may�be�attached�with
rivets,�bolts,�or�welds.
Always�follow�the�vehicle�maker's
position�statements,�though�damaged
threads�can�often�be�repaired�with�a
stainless�steel�thread�insert�(Heli-coil).�Use
caution�to�avoid�galvanic�corrosion.
On�the�2015�F-150,�Ford�does�not�use�any
castings�on�the�cab�or�box�assembly.
Another�common�casting�usedmay
bemade�of�magnesium�andis�not
repairable,�like�the�core�support�on�the
2015�Ford�F-150.�Magnesium�can�be
mistaken�for�an�aluminum�casting.�Be
aware�there�is�a�simple�test�to�verify�if�a
part�is�magnesium�or�aluminum.
Refer�to�the�Video:�Identifying�Magnesium
in�the�presentation.�This�video�discusses
how�a�casting�can�be�identified�as
aluminum�or�magnesium.
Aluminum�Straightening�And�Repair
Underhood�measurements�can�be�made�to�locate
damage.
When�measuring�an�aluminum�vehicle,
the�tools�and�techniques�are�the�same�as
those�used�on�steel�vehicles.�Tools�that
can�be�used�to�measure�an�aluminum
vehicle�for�damage�include�a:
• tram�bar�or�tape�measure.�A
tram�bar�or�a�tape�measure�can
both�be�used�for�making�point-
to-point�measurements.�These
measurements�may�be�in�the