Removal Procedure
| • |
Both the driver-side and passenger-side front wheelhouses are available as complete
sub-assemblies with the strut tower attached to the wheelhouse. The strut mounting
holes are pre-punched in the service part, which also includes all necessary component
stud mounts. When replacing a wheelhouse, carefully position the service assembly
using 3-dimensional measuring equipment to properly locate the wheelhouse. |
| • | Do not replace the entire wheelhouse when damage is limited to the front
portion of the wheelhouse assemblies. In such a situation, the technician can section
the wheelhouse. |
| • | Inspect for damage where the wheelhouse is attached to the cowl panel (1).
If the panels have been separated, it will be necessary to repair the cowl panel and
replace the wheelhouse. If the panels have not been separated and there is no damage
in this location, the wheelhouse can be sectioned. |
- Remove panels and components, as necessary, for access.
- Remove the upper rail. Refer to
Upper Rail Replacement
.
- Remove the upper tie bar. Refer to
Upper Tie Bar Replacement
.
- Remove the front wheelhouse section from the lower tie bar. Refer to
Lower Tie Bar Replacement
.
- Restore as much of the damage as possible to factory specifications.
- Remove all the sealers and anti-corrosion materials as necessary.
- Locate, mark, and drill out the factory welds attaching the ABS modulator bracket
to the wheelhouse panel, if sectioning the right side wheelhouse panel.
- Mark a vertical line (1) between the two front frame mounting bolt holes (2)
from the lower rail to the top of the wheelhouse panel.
- Cut the wheelhouse along the marked vertical line (1).
- Remove the damaged section of the wheelhouse.
Installation Procedure
- When preparing the service part, cut the
forward apron well beyond the 25 mm (1 in) overlap needed for sectioning
(1).
- Temporarily position the new wheelhouse section on the vehicle, and mark
a line on the new wheelhouse section by tracing along the cut line of the original
wheelhouse (1).
- Remove the new wheelhouse section.
- Measure and cut 25 mm (1 in) inboard along the traced line
to create an overlap. After installation, the original wheelhouse will overlap the
modified service part.
- Drill an 8-mm (5/16-in) hole every 35 mm (1-3/8 in)
along the overlap on the new wheelhouse section.
- Prepare all mating surfaces for welding as necessary.
- Apply 3M Weld-Thru Coating P/N 05916, or equivalent, to all mating
surfaces.
- Position the new wheelhouse section and check the fit.
- Plug weld on the outboard side of the panel as necessary.
- Reattach the ABS modulator bracket, if removed,
in the position shown on the right front wheelhouse panel, by plug welding.
- Install the wheelhouse section to the lower tie bar. Refer to
Lower Tie Bar Replacement
.
- Install the upper tie bar. Refer to
Upper Tie Bar Replacement
.
- Install the upper rail. Refer to
Upper Rail Replacement
.
- Clean and prepare all bare metal surfaces.
Important: Prior to refinishing, refer to publication
GM 4901M-D-01 GM Approved Refinish Materials for recommended products. Do
not combine paint systems. Refer to paint manufacturer's recommendations.
- Apply the following as necessary:
| • | Sealers and anti-corrosion materials |
| • | Two-part catalyzed primer |
- Install all related panels and components removed for access.
