Lower Body
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Last Update: March 12, 2003
Part 3: Wholesale Certification Minimum Standards

Lower Body

Structure
Standard:

  • The vehicle must be free of undercarriage and/or structural damage as defined by the NAAA Structural Damage Policy.

Recommended Test Procedure:

Closely inspect the vehicle for any damage that might compromise the structure of the vehicle. Frame certifications will be required if the inspector suspects structural damage, but is unable to locate any visual evidence, such as collision damage and/or previous repair combined with minor panel misalignment. Whenever possible, laser certifications are to be provided. The certification does not supersede repair work. The vehicle must still be visually acceptable.

 

 

Suspension (undercarriage)
Standard:

  • Vehicle height, spring support and mounting must be OEM. Modifications prohibited.
  • Shock absorbers should show no signs of leaks and should not bottom out easily.
  • Steering box or rack and pinion should have no leaks, damage or excessive play.
  • Steering linkages/tie rod ends should not exhibit any wear or play.
  • Springs, sway bars, bushings, ball joints, and mounts should show no signs of damage or wear.
  • Frame jounce stops should be present and show no signs of damage.
  • Control arms and bushings should show no damage, wear, or previous repair.
  • Steering should not exhibit any binding and have no excessive noise.
  • Vehicle should exhibit proper cornering dynamics.
  • Automatic leveling controls must be operational (if equipped).

Recommended Test Procedure:

The front and rear system components should be visually inspected for damage, wear, or leaks. The steering should be turned lock-to-lock to ensure there is no binding, belt squealing, or excessive power steering noises. The bulb self-test can verify automatic level controls. The vehicle should be test driven to verify the credibility of all suspension components outlined in the standards. If an automated testing machine is utilized, the results should be less than 30%.

 

 

Alignment (undercarriage)
Standard:

  • Steering wheel should be centered.
  • Vehicle should be stable.
  • There should be no excessive lead or pull when driving.

Recommended Test Procedure:

When test-driving the vehicle, ensure that the steering wheel is centered and that the vehicle exhibits no apparent drifts or pulls when driving under appropriate road conditions.

(Note: Do not interpret a brake pull or front wheel drive torque steer as an alignment problem.)

If automated equipment is used, the results should be less than 24 ft. per mile.

 

 

Exhaust (undercarriage)
Standard:

  • No modified exhaust systems.
  • Catalytic converters must be present and in good condition.
  • Oxygen sensors should all be present, connected, and routed properly.
  • Manifolds, mufflers, and pipes should exhibit no significant damage.
  • Exhaust hangers and clamps should be in good condition and hold the exhaust system securely.
  • Exhaust system should not have any leaks.

Recommended Test Procedure:

Visually inspect the exhaust system for any significant deterioration or damage. Listen for any excessive exhaust noise. All converters, mufflers, and oxygen sensors must be present and in good condition.

 

 

Fuel System (undercarriage)
Standard:

  • Fuel lines, filter, and gas tank should be properly secured and exhibit no signs of modifications or damage.
  • The Evaporative emission control systems should be present.
  • The fuel cap must be OEM and not exhibit any cracks or splits on gasket.
  • The fuel cap must be fully tightened.

Recommended Test Procedure:

The fuel system should be visually inspected and exhibit no signs of modification, damage, or significant deterioration. The fuel cap gasket must be inspected for cracks or splits. Then it must be fully tightened to ensure there are no leaks in the closed EVAP system.

 

 

Drive Axles and Differentials (undercarriage)
Standard:

  • Differential and CV joints will have no significant leaks or damage.
  • The differential fluid level is full.
  • CV boots will not have any cracks.
  • CV joints will not pop when put in a bind.

Recommended Test Procedure:

Visually inspect the systems for cracks, leaks, and damage. Turn the steering wheel fully in each direction while accelerating. There should be no audible pop of the CV joint.

 

 

Engine
Standard:

  • The engine will not have excessive cranking time.
  • There should be sufficient oil pressure.
  • Engine oil must be full and must not be contaminated.
  • No smoke coming from the exhaust system on cold start or any other time
  • There should be no objectionable noises, such as lift or rod noises.
  • The engine should run smoothly without any rough idle or miss conditions.
  • The engine should not have any objectionable oil leaks.
  • The engine should start easily when hot.

Recommended Test Procedure:

Prior to starting the engine the oil must be checked to ensure it is full and in acceptable condition. The ignition should be turned on to ensure the oil or check gauges lamp illuminates. The engine should then be cranked and should start immediately and have sufficient oil pressure for that particular model. At this time, someone should be watching the exhaust to ensure that there is no smoke coming from the exhaust system. (Blue smoke on cold start is usually defective valve stem seals.) At this time, listen carefully to ensure there are no objectionable noises being emitted from the engine. You should not sense any rough idle or cylinder misfire conditions. The engine should be esthetically pleasing without any oil leaks, dirt, or buildup of any kind. The engine should be inspected on the topside and underneath to ensure that there are no leaks. The engine should start easily when hot and should have sufficient oil pressure and smooth operational habits.

 

 

Transmission (undercarriage)
Standard:

  • Transmission case will be structurally sound.
  • Transmission fluid will be at proper level and in good condition.
  • Transmission will not have any excessively hard shifts and all ranges will be mechanically sound.
  • Clutches will have no excessive noise or play.
  • All linkages will be secure and in adjustment.
  • Clutch hydraulic systems will be secure and have no leaks.

Recommended Test Procedure:

The condition of the transmission fluid should be inspected for discoloration or contaminants. The level should be maintained to the proper hot or cold level. The transmission must be visually inspected to ensure there is no damage or leaks. The linkages should be inspected for security, play, and proper adjustment. Hydraulic systems should be inspected to insure there are no leaks. The vehicle should be run through all gears to ensure that all ranges are mechanically sound and that there are no excessively hard shifts, slipping clutches, or abnormal noises.