GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Malibu 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Frame and Underbody 🢒 Damaged Cage Nut Service

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 333118 Size: SH
  1. Install a utility stand under the frame near the cage nut that you are replacing.
  2. Remove and discard the frame bolt.
  3. If you are replacing the FRONT cage nut, remove the front impact bar in order to gain access. Refer to Front Bumper Impact Bar Replacement in Bumpers.

    4. If you are replacing the REAR cage nut, perform the following steps in order to gain access:

    3.1. Remove the carpet retainer. Refer to Carpet Retainer Replacement in Interior Trim.
    3.2. Pull back the carpet and the sound deadener in order to provide access to the floor pan sheet metal.

    Object Number: 480156 Size: SH
    3.3. Locate the area directly above the cage nut.

    Object Number: 480165 Size: SH
  4. Use a cutoff wheel in order to cut a 100 mm (4 in) square access door.
  5. Pry the access door open.

    6. Object Number: 482315 Size: SH
  6. Use a chisel in order to break the spot welds (1) on one side of the frame crossmember nut retainer (3).
  7. Lift one side of the frame crossmember nut retainer.
  8. Remove the frame crossmember nut (2).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 482315 Size: SH
  1. Install the frame crossmember nut (2).
  2. Install and weld the frame crossmember nut retainer (3) to the original position.
  3. Weld the frame crossmember nut retainer to the original position.
  4. Clean the repair area.
  5. Apply the corrosion protection to the repair area. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in Paint/Coatings.

    6. 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.

  6. If you are replacing the REAR cage nut, perform the following steps:
    7. 6.1. Pry the access door back to the original position.
    6.2. Stitch weld the access door closed.
    6.3. Use a grinder in order to remove any rough edges.
    6.4. Apply the corrosion protection to the repair area. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in Paint/Coatings.
    6.5. Move the sound deadener and the carpet back to the original position.
    6.6. Install the carpet retainer. Refer to Carpet Retainer Replacement in Interior Trim.
    6.7. Install a new frame rear bolt.

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 245 N·m (180 lb ft).

  7. If you are replacing the FRONT cage nut, perform the following steps:
    8. 7.1. Install a new frame front bolt.

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 245 N·m (180 lb ft).

    7.2. Install the front impact bar. Refer to Front Bumper Impact Bar Replacement in Bumpers.
  8. Remove the utility stand.