Removal Procedure
- Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.
- Remove the rear compartment floor carpet. Refer to Rear Compartment Floor Panel Carpet Replacement.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
- Remove the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement.
- Remove the battery tray. Refer to Battery Tray Replacement.
- Remove the spare wheel carrier. Refer to Spare Wheel Carrier Replacement.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
- Remove the rear wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
- Remove the rear wheel liners. Refer to Rear Inner Wheelhouse Replacement.
- Remove the rear bumper fascia. Refer to Rear Bumper Fascia Replacement.
- Remove the rear muffler assembly. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement - Left Side and Exhaust Muffler Replacement - Right Side.
- Remove the rear muffler heat shields. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Heat Shield Replacement - Left Side and Exhaust Muffler Heat Shield Replacement - Right Side.
- Remove the rear muffler hanger bracket. Refer to Exhaust Hanger Mounting Bracket Replacement.
- Remove the rear frame. Refer to Rear Frame Replacement.
- Remove and note the location of any sound deadening materials.
- Remove and note the location of the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.
- Remove the rear end panel. Refer to Rear End Panel Replacement.
- Remove the side extension panel assembly. Refer to Body Side Inner Panel Extension Replacement.
- Repair as much of the damage as possible.
- Locate, mark and drill out all factory welds (1).
- Remove the damaged rail section from the vehicle.
Warning: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Warning in the Preface section.
Warning: Refer to Foam Sound Deadeners Warning in the Preface section.
Danger: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.
Note: This procedure should be used if the damage is rearward of the factory joint in the rail assembly.
Note: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.
Note: Note the number and location of welds for installation of the service assembly.
Installation Procedure
- Drill 8 mm (5/16 in ) puddle weld holes in the service part, as necessary, in the locations puddle welding is needed.
- Prepare the mating surfaces, as necessary.
- Apply structural adhesive GM6449G or equivalent to all mating surfaces.
- Align the rear rail extension using the datum points (1) and (2) to the vehicle.
- Weld (1) the rear rail extension to the vehicle.
- Clean and prepare all welded surfaces.
- Install the rear end panel. Refer to Rear End Panel Replacement.
- Install the side extension panel assembly. Refer to Body Side Inner Panel Extension Replacement.
- Apply the sealers, and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.
- Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems.
- Install the rear frame. Refer to Rear Frame Replacement.
- Install the rear muffler hanger bracket. Refer to Exhaust Hanger Mounting Bracket Replacement.
- Install the rear muffler heat shields. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Heat Shield Replacement - Left Side or Exhaust Muffler Heat Shield Replacement - Right Side.
- Install the rear muffler assembly. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement - Left Side or Exhaust Muffler Replacement - Right Side.
- Install the rear bumper fiasco. Refer to Rear Bumper Fascia Replacement.
- Install the rear wheel liners. Refer to Rear Inner Wheelhouse Replacement.
- Install the spare wheel carrier. Refer to Spare Wheel Carrier Replacement.
- Install the rear wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Install the battery tray. Refer to Battery Tray Replacement.
- Install the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement.
- Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
- Install the rear compartment floor carpet. Refer to Rear Compartment Floor Panel Carpet Replacement.
- Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.
- If re-programming is required. Refer to Control Module References.
Note: This part has structural weld-thru adhesive in the joint areas. Replace this with additional spot welds at the attachment points. This can be accomplished by adding an additional weld between each factory weld in all areas.
Note: If the location of the original spot weld holes can not be determined, or if structural weld-thru adhesive is present, space the puddle weld holes every 32 mm (1¼ in).
Note: Spot welding is the preferred method for attaching panels and should be used wherever possible. A puddle weld should be performed where your spot welder is unable to reach.
