Removal Procedure
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Remove carpet in trunk area.
- Remove the rear suspension support bolt.
- Place a center punch through the damaged rear suspension support nut. Strike the center punch using a hammer. The punch will leave a dimple on the floor. Use the dimple in order to locate the area where the frame crossmember nut will be removed.
- Use a cutoff wheel in order to cut an access panel using a cutoff wheel.
- Lift the panel upward in order to gain access to the frame crossmember nut retainer.
- Use an air chisel in order to break away the spot welds on one side of the frame crossmember nut retainer.
- Lift one side of the frame crossmember nut retainer enough in order to remove the frame crossmember nut.
- Remove the rear suspension support nut.
Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.
Important: Do not cut or damage the adjacent panels or the reinforcements.
Important: Reuse the frame crossmember nut retainer if the retainer is not damaged from the stripped out bolt.
Installation Procedure
- Install the rear suspension support nut.
- Lower the frame crossmember nut retainer into place. Ensure that the following conditions exist:
- Spot weld the frame crossmember nut retainer in the original location.
- Clean and prepare the welded surfaces.
- Apply corrosion protection. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in General Information.
- Install the new rear suspension support bolt to the frame crossmember nut.
- Reposition the panel downward to the original position.
- Stitch weld the panel back to the original position using 25 mm (0.98 in) welds along the seam. Leave 25 mm (0.98 in) gaps between the welds. A solid joint with minimal heat distortion will result. Continue to finish the stitch weld procedure.
- Use a small grinder in order to remove the excess material from the floor panel until the following conditions exist:
- Clean and prepare the welded surfaces.
- Apply corrosion protection. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in General Information.
- Let the primer dry for approximately 30 minutes. Then apply Dominion Sure Seal P/N 110900 Sound Deadener or the equivalent to the repair area.
- Reposition the carpet and the pad over the repair area.
- Apply anti-corrosion compound GM P/N 12346225 or equivalent. Thoroughly coat the inside of the repair area through the access hole.
- Connect the negative battery cable.
| • | The frame crossmember nut is correctly positioned. |
| • | The frame crossmember nut operates correctly. |
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 50 N·m 37 lb ft).
| • | The floor panel is smooth. |
| • | The floor panel is free from rough edges. |
