Module II - Lessons 1 and 2
Module II - Lessons 1 and 2
Module II - Lessons 1 and 2
A vehicle’s frame and a chassis are both essential vehicle components. They are part
of the vehicle’s body structure and keep it in form either when stationary or moving.
However, most people cannot tell the difference between the two.
Many a time, it won’t be weird finding someone who wrecked their care asking for a
chassis yet they are looking for a frame. At the same time, most people will be heard
interchanging them and referring to a chassis as a frame. So, if you have no idea what
is what among the two, this post seeks to discuss the two components and give out their
differences.
What is a Frame?
A vehicle frame is the key part of that car. It is also a part of the chassis. All of the
other motor vehicle components are attached to the frame in one way or the other.
Almost every vehicle type including small cars, medium, and even buses have a frame.
However, sometimes back some of the vehicles got switched in the way they are
created and fitted with a unibody design. This sought to decrease the amount of the
Functions of a Frame
A vehicle frame is fitted to serve the same functions as an organism’s skeleton. It serves
• Perimeter frame
• Ladder type frame.
• Off set frame
• X-type frame.
• Off set with cross member frame.
What is a Chassis?
A chassis is a part of all vehicles. When it accommodates all the other components of
the vehicle including the gearbox, exhaust pipe, brakes, tires, engine, steering, and
• Steering system
• Fuel tank
• Radiator
• Engine
• Suspension system
• Brakes
• Wheels
• Fuel tank
• Brakes
• Transmission system which includes the gearbox, propeller shaft, clutch, and the rear
axle.
• The ladder
• Monocoque
• Backbone
• Space or tubular chassis.
• Combined chassis
The key differences between the two components are as listed below:
A chassis is the skeletal framework of a vehicle on which most of the mechanical parts
like tires, axle assemblies, steering, brakes, and the engine are fastened. It is the most
significant part of any vehicle as it is the source of strength and stability for the car
A vehicle frame, on the other hand, is the main structure of the chassis. All the other
A chassis is designed as the minimum requirement for any vehicle to move while a frame
With time and obvious wear and tear, it is quite possible that the chassis might get
damaged; recognising this is important, but not a very easy task. Here are 5 signs that
could indicate your chassis needs repairing.
Unfamiliar Noise
Should you happen to notice an unfamiliar noise when the car is in its motion, it could
indicate different things – exhaust pipe expansion or a separation of the substrate of
the catalytic converter from the base. However, abnormal sounds also result when
there is clunking of the chassis; and if left unattended, this can put a lot of pressure on
the chassis and cause it to damage further to a state beyond repair.
Poor Handling
When a car has been a victim of poor handling, it does not respond very well to a
steering manoeuvre – and you need to keep moving the steering wheel to ensure your
car moves along a straight line. The way the weight of the car is distributed (rear-heavy
or front-heavy) is an important factor that affects the handling of the vehicle however,
this may also be a symptom of problems with the chassis. If you find the car twists with
very little force, it could indicate that the chassis is weak and, unless you have this
corrected, it can get terribly bent.
Improper Steering
The steering is connected to the chassis, and any manoeuvre you perform with the
steering results in a movement of the chassis. If you notice problems with your steering,
it could indicate something is not quite right with the parts located in or around the
chassis. Having this checked is necessary to identify if there are chassis problems.
Rapid Wearing Out of Tyres
The tyres and wheels are connected to the vehicle's frame through the chassis and
suspension system. When all these components function correctly, the car travels in a
smooth way and tyres do not wear out too much. However, if there is a problem with
the car's chassis, it could lead to problems with alignment of the tyres and in turn, this
can result in the tyres getting worn out much faster than expected. If you find this
happening to your car tyres, have the chassis also checked out by a mechanic.
Although it is the least visible part of the car, the chassis is what provides the basic
framework for its structure. Exposure to tough road conditions can cause damage of
the chassis and unless you identify this early, you may need to replace the chassis –
an expensive and avoidable step. Watch out for these signs of a damaged chassis, so
that you do not end up repenting later.
If you spot any of these issues and think that your car’s chassis needs repairing, then
we here at SGH Bodyworks can help. Specialising in body repairs and mechanical
repairs, with Mazda, Saab and Lotus vehicles as well as many other models, we can get
your car looking its best in no time.
Source:
Between http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-
between-frame-and-chassis/#ixzz76cNbyqsQ
2. https://www.sghbodyworks.co.uk/5-signs-your-chassis-needs-repairing/