Important: Sectioning should not take place in the areas 200 (8 in) forward of the rear rail (1).
The roof rail outer sectioning should take place in the boxed areas (2). There are key structural areas on the outer rocker panel where sectioning should not be performed. Sectioning in these areas may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and is not recommended (1).The side door frame openings feature a unique modular build design to improve manufacturing quality. They are composed of numerous individual components that are pre-assembled, then attached to the vehicle as a single unit. The following components must be replaced at factory seams:
| • | The hydroformed pillar |
| • | The front hinge pillar outer panel |
| • | The front hinge pillar inner reinforcement |
| • | The center pillar inner reinforcement |
| • | The inner rocker panel |
| • | The roof rail inner reinforcement |
| • | The rear lock pillar |
Hydro Formed Pillar
Important: Use extreme care in the inner hinge pillar and block areas (2).
The hydro-formed pillar is a one-piece stamped and formed tube welded between the inner and outer pillars (1) and extended up to the center pillar. Servicing of the hydroformed pillar requires the removal or sectioning of the roof rail outer panel.
The Front Hinge Pillar Outer Panel
Important: Sectioning should be performed only in the recommended areas. Failure to do so may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle.
The front hinge pillar outer panel is a one-piece stamped panel welded to the hydro-formed pillar, the inner hinge pillar reinforcement and the rocker panel. Replacement of the front hinge pillar outer panel requires the removal of the front upper rail outer panel.
Sectioning procedures have been developed to simplify the repair of the following components:
| • | The center pillar outer panel |
| • | The roof rail outer panel |
| • | The outer rocker panel |
Center Pillar Outer Panel
The center pillar outer panel is welded to the inner center pillar reinforcements and overlaps the outer rocker panel. The roof rail outer panel (1) overlaps the top portion of the center pillar outer panel. Replacing the center pillar outer panel requires the removal of the roof panel as well as the removal or sectioning of the roof rail outer panel. The upper portion of the center pillar outer panel can be sectioned using a 100 mm (4 in) backing plate. Cut roof outer 100 mm (4 in) from corner, use center pillar as a backing plate (1). When sectioning 100 mm (4 in) down (A) there will be a 50 mm (2 in) offset (B).
Roof Rail Outer Panel Replacement
Roof rail outer panel replacement can be performed at the factory seams, however, the removal of the roof panel and quarter panel is required.
Roof Rail Outer Panel Sectioning
The roof rail outer panel sectioning joint , in the upper center pillar area should be 50 mm (2 in) higher than the inner center pillar reinforcement sectioning joint (C). A backing plate is not required, the roof rail outer panel can be welded directly to the inner center pillar reinforcement.
The roof rail outer panel sectioning joint in the rear pillar area, should be approximately 100 mm (4 in) below the rear corner of the roof panel edge. This sectioning procedure requires the use of a 100 mm (4 in) backing plate for reinforcement.
Outer Rocker Panel Replacement
Outer rocker panel replacement can be performed at the factory seams, however, this requires the removal of the front hinge pillar outer panel or the rear wheelhouse outer panel.
Outer Rocker Panel Sectioning
Important: Sectioning the inner roof rail reinforcement and rear lock pillar is not recommended.
Outer rocker panel sectioning is usually more economical than complete panel replacement. Sectioning the outer rocker panel requires a 100 mm (4 in) backing plate for reinforcement (1).
