Hood won't close = Possible Broken Frame Rail

A broken frame rail on any vehicle is dangerous. A broken frame rail on a truck that hauls 80,000+ lbs. is extremely dangerous. Normally a visual inspection is the only way to determine if your frame is broken. Recently we had a 2006 Peterbilt 379 transfer come in with a broken frame rail. A really broken frame rail.

The driver noticed that his usually some-what rough riding rig was driving uncharacteristically smooth. At the same time the steering was all over the place and it was harder to control. Then he noticed his hood wouldn't close all the way on the passenger side. After a walk-around inspection he noticed a major crack in his frame.

 

Hood not fully closed on passenger side.

The truck bed would not fully seat on the frame rail because of the crack. The driver bound the frame with chains and this exaggerated the gap from the bed to the rail.

And the reason for it all- a broken frame rail!

Once the driver saw the seriousness of the crack, they bound the frame with chains and blocks. This got the truck to our shop with out further damaging the truck. If the frame were to crack all the way, the truck would not be moveable.

View from underneath of frame rail.

The mechanic marked the placement of all components, took measurements of the inside of the frame channel then began to disassemble the frame rails. Once the rails were disassembled the crack was welded up.

The custom frame sleeves being brought in to the shop.

The new bolt holes being drilled into the frame rail.

Video of Mag drill making bolt holes in the new frame rail sleeve.

Job Complete!

Driving any commercial vehicle with a broken frame is illegal.

Click on the photo link and select commercial vehicles, Form CHP108 to see the form that follows.

Line 36 notes Frame and Crossmembers- must be OK to be operational.