Spark

Front Wheel housing Panel Replacement

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 .



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



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 and where the front wheelhouse and the front compartment side rail overlap with an appropriate tool.



9. Remove the front wheelhouse panel.

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

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



3. Position the wheelhouse panel on the vehicle.
4. Verify the fit of the wheelhouse panel on the vehicle.
5. Clamp the wheelhouse panel into position.



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