Body - Side Impact Protection Beams

COLLISION REPAIR INFORMATION
CRIB90

TITLE: SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION BEAMS (INTRUSION BEAMS)

SECTION: STRUCTURAL REPAIR BULLETIN #90

MODELS: ALL TOYOTA/LEXUS

DATE: FEBRUARY 1999

Side impact protection beams (intrusion beams) are part of the structural integrity of Toyota and Lexus doors. Each door's integrated structure contributes to the overall crash worthiness of the vehicle during side impacts and is designed to link with the side structure of the body to absorb and re-direct collision energy.





Impact energy of a side collision directed at the cabin area is dispersed throughout the body via pillar reinforcements, side impact protection beams, floor cross members, etc.





This dispersion of energy minimizes the energy directed into the cabin.

Intrusion beams are made of High-Strength Steel (HSS), which has a high yield point and is extremely resistant to bending and deformation.

Once the yield point is exceeded, the metal's shape and grain changes, thereby changing the design and strength characteristics of the side impact protection beam.

Straightening intrusion beams should not be attempted since restoring the original structural integrity can not be insured.

Whenever intrusion beams are damaged, the complete door shell must be replaced.