Vehicle structure

3-1 Structure

IMPORTANT: Any parts that require removal or disassembly in order to carry out the inspection of structural components and frontal impact occupant protection systems must be removed or disassembled. Refer to Vehicle structure – 3-3 Inspection specifications.

A vehicle whose structure has been damaged beyond the threshold specified in Vehicle structure – 3-4 Threshold for requiring repair certification must be certified by a specialist repair certifier before entry certification.

Reasons for rejection

Compliance with approved standards

1. A vehicle that is required to comply with an approved frontal impact standard did not comply, or cannot be demonstrated to have complied, with at least one of the standards listed in Table 3-2-1 at the time the vehicle was manufactured.

Condition and modification

2. A structural component (Note 4) or frontal impact occupant protection system does not comply with a requirement relating to condition or modification set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 3–1.

Note 1

If a vehicle is fitted with an auxiliary bar (eg a bullbar), refer to Technical bulletin 6 – Auxiliary bars.

Note 2

Technical bulletin 10 contains information regarding inspection for corrosion in the rear floorpan assembly of some Nissan Terrano and Mistral models.

Note 3

Structural components that can be unbolted, such as doors with intrusion beams and sub frames, which are damaged or corroded are a reason for rejection. However, these parts can be replaced by the owner and re-inspected without the need for repair certification.

Note 4

Structural components include, as a minimum, the following:

a) Engine compartment

i. Front crush zones

ii. Chassis rails

iii. Inner guards

iv. Firewall

v. Suspension towers and mountings

vi. Radiator support panel

b) Exterior

i. Door frames, locks and hinges

ii. Pillars

iii. Sills

iv. Roof guttering

c) Luggage/cargo compartment

i. Suspension towers and mountings

ii. Seatbelt anchorages

iii. Floor

iv. Rear panel

v. Spare wheel well

d) Underbody and/or chassis frame

i. Front and rear crush zones

ii. Chassis rails and cross members

iii. Floor rails

iv. Steering and suspension mountings

v. Subframe mountings

vi. Seat and seatbelt anchorages

vii. Sills

viii. Floor

e) Passenger compartment (inside vehicle)

i. Exposed floor areas

ii. Floor to inner sill seams

iii. Pillars

iv. Cross members

v. Seat and seatbelt anchorages

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

a) Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors Amendment 2005

b) Land Transport Rule: Door Retention Systems 2001

c) Land Transport Rule: Seats and Seat Anchorages 2002

d) Land Transport Rule: Seatbelts and Seatbelt Anchorages Amendment 2005

e) Land Transport Rule: Light-vehicle Brakes 2002

f) Land Transport Rule: Steering Systems 2001

g) Land Transport Rule: Tyres and Wheels Amendment 2005.

Compliance with approved standards

1. Certain vehicles must comply with one or more of the approved frontal impact standards in Table 3-2-1. Follow the flowcharts in Figure 3-2-1, Figure 3-2-2 and Figure 3-2-3 to determine whether a particular vehicle is required to comply with an approved frontal impact standard.

Condition and modification

2. Structural components (Note 4) and frontal impact occupant protection systems must comply with the requirements relating to condition and modification set out in the VIRM: In-service certification, section 3–1.

Page amended 1 December 2016 (see amendment details).

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