After the subframe was flattened, the owner doesn't want to repeat the same mistake again

A Chevrolet Cruze has entered the store, which is the 2021 320 Automatic Enjoyment Sunroof Edition. It was produced in October 2020 and has traveled over 60000 kilometers in just over five years. The purpose of this visit is to install an engine underbody guard.

Why has the car been used for so long, and now I remember to install a protective panel? The car owner said that they didn't pay attention to the chassis before. In the past two years, the chassis has been constantly scratched. Last year, the scratches hit the gearbox, almost damaging it. Recently, they also scratched the subframe, flattening it. They feel that it would be better to install a protective plate.

Let's first look at the chassis, as shown in the following picture. The bottom of the original car's engine and gearbox did not have protective plates, and there were signs of damage to the soft connection of the exhaust pipe, which was caused by scratches on the ground.

The car owner pointed to the bottom of the subframe and said that this is the consequence of colliding with the ground. It has flattened and the damaged paint surface has rusted. If it collides with the gearbox again, the aluminum alloy gearbox must be damaged.

Let's take a look at the alloy protective plate that we are planning to install

First, fix one end of the screw onto the subframe, as shown in the figure below. Two thin screws are fixed to the front of the subframe, and two thick screws are fixed to the rear, which require washers and screw caps.

Then install the protective plate at the position of the screws, and each screw requires two washers. After tightening, as shown in the figure below, a separate detachable small protective plate is reserved at the lower part of the oil drain screw position.

Then install the protective plate at the position of the screws, and each screw requires two washers. After tightening, as shown in the figure below, a separate detachable small protective plate is reserved at the lower part of the oil drain screw position.

After installing the protective plate, the car owner asked the mechanic to check the condition of the chassis to see if there were any problems. Let's first take a look at the right front suspension shown in the picture. The lower arm rubber sleeve, ball joint, steering rod ball joint, shock absorber and other components are in normal condition. Checking the left front suspension is also in the same condition.

Looking at the middle part of the chassis, it still has a metal surface without chassis armor, which is one of the characteristics of most American cars. It has good rust prevention ability and no traces of rust can be found.

Looking at the rear of the chassis, the rear suspension is a multi link independent suspension, and there are no major issues upon inspection.

Finally, the master told the car owner not to think that adding a lower protective plate can be reckless. They still need to be very careful and control the speed. The protective plate can only withstand minor scratches, and severe scratches cannot be protected.