Nissan Maxima Service and Repair Manual: Precautions in repairing high strength steel

High Strength Steel (HSS)

High strength steel is used for body panels in order to reduce vehicle weight.

Accordingly, precautions in repairing automotive bodies made of high strength steel are described below:

Nissan Maxima. High Strength Steel (HSS)

Read the following precautions when repairing HSS:

  1. Additional points to consider

Nissan Maxima. High Strength Steel (HSS)

  • The repair of reinforcements (such as side members) by heating is not recommended since it may weaken the component.

    When heating is unavoidable, do not heat HSS parts above 550C (1,022F).

    Verify heating temperature with a thermometer.

    (Crayon-type and other similar type thermometer are appropriate.)

Nissan Maxima. High Strength Steel (HSS)

  • When straightening body panels, use caution in pulling any HSS panel. Because HSS is very strong, pulling may cause deformation in adjacent portions of the body. In this case, increase the number of measuring points, and carefully pull the HSS panel

Nissan Maxima. High Strength Steel (HSS)

  • When cutting HSS panels, avoid gas (torch) cutting if possible.

    Instead, use a saw to avoid weakening surrounding areas due to heat. If gas (torch) cutting is unavoidable, allow a minimum margin of 50 mm (1.97 in).

Nissan Maxima. High Strength Steel (HSS)

  • When welding HSS panels, use spot welding whenever possible in order to minimize weakening surrounding areas due to heat.

    If spot welding is impossible, use MIG. welding. Do not use gas (torch) for welding because it is inferior in welding strength.

Nissan Maxima. High Strength Steel (HSS)

  • The spot weld on HSS panels is harder than that of an ordinary steel panel.

    Therefore, when cutting spot welds on a HSS panel, use a low speed high torque drill (1,000 to 1,200 rpm) to increase drill bit durability and facilitate the operation.

  1. Precautions in spot welding HSS
    This work should be performed under standard working conditions.

    Always note the following when spot welding HSS:

  • The electrode tip diameter must be sized properly according to the metal thickness

Nissan Maxima. High Strength Steel (HSS)

  • The panel surfaces must fit flush to each other, leaving no gaps.

Nissan Maxima. High Strength Steel (HSS)

  • Follow the specifications for the proper welding pitch

Nissan Maxima. High Strength Steel (HSS)

Nissan Maxima. High Strength Steel (HSS)

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