Frame straightening is the structural side of collision repair — pulling a vehicle's underlying chassis (unibody or full-frame) back to factory specifications after a collision pushed it out of alignment. This is the work that determines whether a repaired vehicle drives straight, tracks correctly, and protects occupants properly in the next crash. Done wrong, a vehicle looks fine but pulls left, eats tires unevenly, and fails crash-test geometry. Frank's Automotive in New Braunfels uses computerized measuring equipment and a dedicated frame rack so the structural repair is done to manufacturer specification.
What's involved
A proper frame-straightening job:
- Initial measurement — the vehicle is placed on the frame rack and measured at multiple datum points using a computerized system. The measurements are compared against the OEM blueprint for that year/make/model
- Damage diagnosis — which points are out of spec, by how much, and in which direction (lateral, longitudinal, vertical)
- Pulling and pushing — hydraulic anchor points apply controlled force to specific frame locations, gradually restoring the structure to spec
- Re-measurement at each step — pulls happen in steps with verification between each one. The final structure must be within factory tolerance at every datum point
- Welding and replacement — sections beyond what can be pulled (cracked, torn, severely deformed) get cut out and replaced per manufacturer procedures, using the specific weld type and location they specify
- Final measurement — documented printout showing every datum point at spec
- Suspension and steering re-align after the frame is straight (otherwise the alignment won't hold)
- ADAS calibration if forward-facing cameras or radar were affected
The whole process takes anywhere from 1-2 days for moderate damage to 1-2+ weeks for severe.
When to bring it in
You need frame work if your vehicle has been in a collision and:
- It pulls hard to one side on a straight road, even after alignment
- The steering wheel is off-center despite a recent alignment
- Tires wear unevenly quickly after collision repair
- Body panels don't line up — uneven gaps between doors and fenders, hood that doesn't sit flush
- The vehicle "looks straight" but feels off — a subtle dogtrack where the rear wheels don't follow the front
- A previous shop did "cosmetic" body repair after a collision but the car has never driven right since
If you've been in a significant collision (any speed over 25 mph, any frontal impact, any deployment of airbags), the vehicle should be measured on a frame rack regardless of how the body looks. Visible body damage often hides structural damage.
Why Frank's for frame straightening
We're I-CAR Gold Class for collision (the highest training tier in the industry, with annual recertification on current vehicle structures including aluminum and ultra-high-strength steel). We run computerized frame measurement with documented before/after printouts you can keep, and we work directly with insurance on supplemental claims when frame damage exceeds the initial estimate. Workmanship is covered by lifetime guarantee.
If you've been in a heavy collision, call us first at (830) 627-3939 — we can arrange a tow if the vehicle isn't drivable. For non-emergency structural evaluation, request an appointment.