Cruze

Front Wheel housing Panel Replacement - MAG-Welding

Note : According to different corrosion warranties, only the regional mandatory joining methods are allowed.

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

Warning : Refer to Glass and Sheet Metal Handling Warning 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 the damage. Repair as much of the damage as possible.
5. Remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair : Base .




Note : Front wheelhouse rear panel brace (1) remains to the body.

6. Locate and mark all the necessary factory welds of the front wheelhouse.



7. Drill all factory welds. Note the number and location of welds for installation of the service assembly.



8. Cut the adhesive in the front area (1) and where the front wheelhouse and the front compartment side rail overlap (2) with an appropriate tool.



9. Remove the front wheelhouse.

1. Remove the front wheelhouse rear panel brace (1) from service panel.



2. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) for plug welding instead of the adhesive noted from the front area of the original panel.




Note : Double the number of drills at the flange where front wheelhouse panel and front compartment side rail overlap (1).

3. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) for plug welding along the edges of the front wheelhouse as noted from the original panel.
4. Clean and prepare the attaching surfaces for welding.



5. Position the front wheelhouse on the vehicle.
6. Verify the fit of the front wheelhouse.
7. Clamp the front wheelhouse into position.



8. Plug weld accordingly.
9. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair : Base .
10. Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems .
11. Install all related panels and components.
12. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
13. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .