Removal
NOTES:
The A- Pillar reinforcement is manufactured from DP600, it is serviced with its upper and lower door hinge mounting brackets.
The A-Pillar reinforcement is unpicked from the side panel reinforcement 'ring-frame', it is not serviced separately.
If the A-pillar reinforcement is damaged in the area adjacent to the rocker panel inner reinforcement then a new rocker panel inner reinforcement and B-pillar reinforcement panels must be installed.
A new anti tamper VIN indentification decal will be required when replacing the L/H A-Pillar reinforcement panel.
1. The A-Pillar reinforcement is replaced in conjunction with:
2. For additional information relating to this repair procedure please see the following: For additional information, refer to: Health and Safety Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation) / Body Repairs (501-25A Body Repairs - General Information, Description and Operation) / Corrosion Protection (501-25B Body Repairs - Corrosion Protection, Description and Operation) / Body and Frame (501-26 Body Repairs - Vehicle Specific Information and Tolerance Checks, Description and Operation) / Standard Workshop Practices (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
3. Remove the A-Pillar outer panel.
For additional information, refer to: A-Pillar Outer Panel (501-29B Side Panel Sheet Metal Repairs - 5-Door, Removal and Installation).
4. Remove the fender apron upper panel.
For additional information, refer to: Fender Apron Upper Panel (501-27 Front End Sheet Metal Repairs, Removal and Installation).
5. NOTE: Retain the bolt for installation. Remove the bolt as indicated.
6. CAUTION: Care should be taken not to cut through into the inner panels. Cut the A-pillar reinforcement as indicated.
7. NOTE: A drill bit suitable for drilling boron should be used on the boron spot welds. Drill out the spot welds as indicated.
8. Drill out the spot welds as indicated.
9. Separate the joints and remove the old panel, also releasing the NVH component.
Installation
1. NOTE: Use removed A-pillar reinforcement as reference for cut line on new panel. Cut the new A-pillar reinforcement as indicated.
2. NOTE: A drill bit suitable for drilling boron should be used on the boron spot welds. Drill out the spot welds on new A-Pillar reinforcement as indicated.
3. Separate the joints and remove the A-Pillar reinforcement from the ring frame.
4. Using the 6 x drilled out spot weld locations on the upper A-Pillar reinforcement, divide them into pairs and cut an elongated slot between them by linking the two drill outs together, creating 3 x MIG Braze slot locations as indicated.
5. Prepare the old and new panel joint surfaces, including the NVH component.
6. NOTE: With panel in position check for access to spot weld the joints. Offer up the new panel and clamp into position. Check alignment, if correct, proceed to next step, if not, rectify and recheck before proceeding.
7. Remove the new panel.
8. Drill holes in new panel ready for MIG plug welding as indicated.
9. Deburr MIG plug locations in new panel.
10. NOTE: If spot welds are being installed in a joint that originally contained adhesive, the adhesive must be reinstated. Apply panel bonding adhesive to spot welded/bonded areas as indicated. Use the bond path shown in the graphic as a guide, the panel bond adhesive must only be applied in the areas where spot welding is accessible for the installation of the new panel. It is not to be applied in any areas of MIG welding/brazing installation joints, leave a 30mm gap, so it does not affect the MIG weld/braze joint on installation.
11. Apply sealer adhesive to the NVH component location on the vehicle.
12. NOTE: Loosely install the bolt after new A-pillar reinforcement is clamped in position. Offer up the new panel and clamp into position. Check alignment, if correct, proceed to next step, if not, rectify and recheck before proceeding.
13. Tack MIG weld the butt joint.
14. MIG braze the slots.
15. NOTES:
Spot welding is completed when the A-pillar outer panel is installed.
This joint has to be fully spot welded as it contains adhesive. Spot weld as indicated.
16. MIG weld the butt joint.
17. MIG plug weld.
18. Dress all welded joints.
19. Tighten the bolt as indicated.
20. NOTE: Make sure all underbody joints are sealed following this repair procedure
The installation of associated panels and mechanical components is the reverse of removal.