Removal Procedure
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to
Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection
in Engine
Electrical.
- Remove carpet in trunk area.
- Remove the rear suspension support bolt.
- Place a center punch through the damaged rear suspension support
nut. Strike the center punch using a hammer. The punch will leave a dimple
on the floor. Use the dimple in order to locate the area where the frame
crossmember nut will be removed.
Important: Do not cut or damage the adjacent panels or the reinforcements.
- Use a cutoff wheel in order to cut an access panel.
- Lift the panel upward
in order to gain access to the frame crossmember nut retainer.
Important: Reuse the frame crossmember nut retainer if the retainer is not damaged
from the stripped out bolt.
- Use an air chisel in order to break away the spot welds (1) on one side
of the frame crossmember nut retainer.
- Lift one side of the frame crossmember nut retainer enough in
order to remove the frame crossmember nut.
- Remove the rear suspension support nut (2).
Installation Procedure
- Install the rear suspension
support nut (2).
- Lower the frame crossmember nut retainer into place. Ensure that
the following conditions exist:
• | The frame crossmember nut is correctly positioned. |
• | The frame crossmember nut operates correctly. |
- Spot weld the frame crossmember nut retainer in the original location.
- Clean and prepare the welded surfaces.
- Apply corrosion protection. Refer to
Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair
in Paint/Coatings.
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners
must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring
replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant
are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or
corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified.
These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage
the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when
installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
- Install the new
rear suspension support bolt to the frame crossmember nut.
Tighten
Tighten the rear suspension support bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
- Reposition the panel downward to the original position.
- Stitch weld the panel back to the original position using 25 mm
(0.98 in) welds along the seam. Leave 25 mm (0.98 in)
gaps between the welds. A solid joint with minimal heat distortion
will result. Continue to finish the stitch weld procedure.
- Use a small grinder in order to remove the excess material from
the floor panel until the following conditions exist:
• | The floor panel is smooth. |
• | The floor panel is free from rough edges. |
- Clean and prepare the welded surfaces.
- Apply corrosion protection. Refer to
Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair
in Paint/Coatings.
- Let the primer dry for approximately 30 minutes. Then apply
Dominion Sure Seal P/N 110900 Sound Deadener or the equivalent to the
repair area.
- Reposition the carpet and the pad over the repair area.
- Apply anti-corrosion compound GM P/N 12346225 or
equivalent. Thoroughly coat the inside of the repair area through the
access hole.
- Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to
Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection
in Engine
Electrical.