Important: The rear door hinge pillar service part is serviced as an assembly, which consists of the door hinge pillar outer panel (1) and the inner anchor plate reinforcement (2). The reinforcement includes weld nuts for attaching the rear door bolt-on hinges.

Caution: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Caution in the Preface section.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
3. Remove all related panels and components.
4. Visually inspect and repair as much of the damage as possible to factory specification.

Caution: Refer to Foam Sound Deadeners Caution in the Preface section.

5. Note the location and remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .



6. Section the rear door hinge pillar in the area of the pressure relief valve opening (1).
7. Measure within the shaded area (1) on the rear pillar.



8. Mark and cut the original panel (1). Use care not to damage inner panels.

Important: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

9. Locate, mark, and drill out all factory spot welds around the perimeter of the rear door hinge pillar below the sectioning joint.
10. Remove the damaged rear hinge pillar.

1. Cut a 100 mm (4 in) backing plate from the unused portion of the service part (1).
2. Trim the backing plate as necessary to fit behind the sectioning joint (1).
3. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes in the original part 25 mm (1 in) from the cut edge (2).
4. Fit the backing plate halfway into the sectioning joint (1).
5. Apply GM-approved weld-thru coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
6. Clamp and plug weld to the vehicle.
7. Fit and align service hinge pillar (3) with adjacent body panels. The sectioning joint should be trimmed to allow a gap of one and one-half times the metal thickness at the joint between the service part and the original part. Take care to ensure proper alignment of service panels.

Important: If the location of the original plug weld holes can not be determined, space the plug weld holes 40 mm (1½ in) apart.

8. Remove the service part and drill 8 mm (5/16 in) holes for plug welding as noted from the original panel and along the sectioning (1) joint 13 mm (½ in) from the cut edge.
9. Install and position the modified service part according to body dimensions using three-dimensional measuring equipment.
10. Plug weld accordingly.
11. Use frequent measurements to ensure accurate fit and alignment to adjacent panels.
12. Clean and prepare all welded surfaces.
13. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .
14. Paint and repair the area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems .
15. Install all related panels and components.
16. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
17. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .