Removal Procedure
Caution: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Caution in the Preface section.
- Disable the SIR system. Refer to
SIR Disabling and Enabling
.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to
Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection
.
- Remove all related panels and components.
- Repair as much of the damage as possible to factory specifications.
- Note the location and remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to
Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair
.
- Remove the rear end panel. Refer to
Rear End Panel Replacement
.
- Remove the rear floor panel. Refer to
Floor Panel Replacement
.
Important: Full rail replacement will require the removal of either the crossbar or an inner wheelhouse assembly. If sectioning is permitted, locate the diemark (3) on the lower surface of rail.
- Locate, mark, and drill out all factory welds attaching the control arm mounting bracket (1) and the rear rail (4) to the vehicle.
- The factory welds attaching the control arm mounting bracket weld flange (6) to the inner rocker panel must be drilled out from inside the vehicle.
Important: The corner of the floor panel above this area will need to be positioned out of the way (6) .
- Locate, mark and drill out all factory welds. Note the number and location of welds for installation of the service assembly.
- Remove the damaged rear rail assembly.
Installation Procedure
- Clean and prepare the mating surfaces.
- Verify for proper fit of the rear rail service assembly.
- Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes on the service assembly as necessary in the locations noted from the original assembly.
- Apply GM approved Weld-Thru coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to
Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair
.
- Position the service assembly.
- Verify the fit with three-dimensional measuring equipment. Refer to
Dimensions - Body
.
- Plug weld accordingly with frequent measurements to ensure proper fit.
- Plug weld the control arm mounting bracket weld flange (6) to the inner rocker.
Important: Properly locate and drill the holes on the bumper mounting bracket (2). Use 3-dimensional measuring equipment.
- Install the rear floor panel. Refer to
Floor Panel Replacement
.
- Install the rear end panel. Refer to
Rear End Panel Replacement
.
- Clean and prepare all welded surfaces.
- Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to
Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair
.
- Paint the repaired area. Refer to
Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems
.
- Install all related panels and components.
- Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to
Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection
.
- Enable the SIR system. Refer to
Rear Floor Trim Plate Replacement
.