GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2009 🢒 AURA 🢒 Body Repair 🢒 Collision Repair 🢒 Body Lock Pillar Outer Panel Sectioning

Removal Procedure

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

    Warning: Sectioning should be performed only in the recommended areas. Failure to do so may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and cause personal injury if the vehicle is in a collision.

  1. The body side outer panel is available only in 1-piece side framer portions. The 2-piece side frame is no longer offered. You can perform any one of these replacement procedures separately or in any combination, depending upon the extent of the damage to the vehicle. Sectioning must take place in specified areas only.

    2. Remove all related panels and components.

  2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.
  3. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
  4. Remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary, and note their location. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.
  5. Repair as much of the damaged area as possible. Refer to Dimensions - Body.

    6. Object Number: 1836952 Size: SH
  6. Note that the sectioning line high on the B-pillar is 120 mm (4 3/4 in) below the upper side frame (a).

    7. Object Number: 1836953 Size: SH
  7. From the top of the upper/side frame (a), measure down 120 mm (4 3/4 in) (b). Scribe a line. This is the cut location.

    8. Object Number: 1836954 Size: SH

    Note: Sectioning procedures can only take place in the straight areas of the body side panel.

  8. Lay out the cut line location on the body side panel. Make the cut.
  9. Cut the panel at the rocker panel area where sectioning is to be performed, within the straight sections only, between the holes in the rocker.

    10. Object Number: 1836955 Size: SH
  10. Locate and drill out all factory welds. Note the number and location of welds for installation of the service part.
  11. Measure down from the top of the B-Pillar (a) 280 mm (11 in) or to B:C 435 mm (17 in).

    12. Note: This area must be heated to release the adhesive from the A reinforcement in this area.

  12. Remove the damaged center pillar.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1836957 Size: SH
  1. Cut the outer center pillar in corresponding locations to fit the remaining original panel. The sectioning joint should be trimmed to allow a gap of 1½ times the metal thickness at the sectioning joint (a).
  2. In all the rocker panel areas, create a 100 mm (4 in) backing plate from the unused portion of the service part. Trim the backing plates, as necessary, to fit behind the sectioning joint (b).
  3. In the upper center pillar area, use a 50 mm (2 in) backing plate.

    4. Object Number: 1836958 Size: SH

    Note: If the location of the original plug weld holes cannot be determined, space the plug weld holes every 40 mm (1½ in) apart.

  4. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) along the sectioning cuts on the remaining original part. Locate these holes 13 mm (½ in) from the edge of the part and space 40 mm (1½ in) apart.
  5. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes in the service part, as necessary, in the corresponding locations noted on the original panel.
  6. Prepare all mating surfaces for welding, as necessary.
  7. Apply GM-approved Weld-Thru Coating or equivalent to all mating surfaces. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.
  8. Fit the backing plates into the sectioning joints 50 mm (2 in) for the rocker section, for a total of 100 mm (4 in).
  9. If the nylon reinforcement is not damaged, bond the reinforcement, located in the upper B-pillar area. If the nylon reinforcement is damaged, the reinforcement may need to be replaced. Refer to Center Reinforcement Pillar Replacement.
  10. Position the outer center pillar to the vehicle using 3-dimensional measuring equipment. Clamp the pillar in place.
  11. Plug weld accordingly.

    12. Object Number: 1836959 Size: SH
  12. To create a solid weld with minimum heat distortion, make a 25 mm (1 in) stitch weld along the seam with gaps of 25 mm (1 in). Go back and complete the stitch weld.
  13. Clean and prepare all of the welded surfaces.
  14. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.
  15. Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems.
  16. Install all of the related panels and components.
  17. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
  18. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.