GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2009 🢒 Vibe - AWD 🢒 Body Repair 🢒 Collision Repair 🢒 Front Wheelhouse Sectioning

Front Wheelhouse Sectioning Left Side

Removal Procedure
   • 
Object Number: 2020732 Size: SH
  • When replacing a wheelhouse section, carefully position the service assembly using 3-dimensional measuring equipment to properly locate the wheelhouse.
    •    • 
  • Do not replace the entire wheelhouse when damage is limited to the front portion of the wheelhouse assemblies. In such a situation, the technician can section the wheelhouse.
    •    • 
  • Inspect for damage where the wheelhouse is attached to the cowl panel. If the panels have been separated, it will be necessary to repair the cowl panel and replace the wheelhouse. If the panels have not been separated and there is no damage in this location, the wheelhouse can be sectioned.
    1. Remove panels and components, as necessary, for access.
    2. Remove the left upper tie bar. Refer to Tie Bar Replacement - Left Side .
    3. Restore as much of the damage as possible to factory specifications.
    4. Remove all the sealers and anti-corrosion materials as necessary.

      5. Object Number: 2016888 Size: SH
    5. Locate, mark, and drill out the factory welds attaching the wheelhouse section panel.
    6. Remove the damaged section of the wheelhouse.

      7. Object Number: 2016880 Size: SH
    7. Locate, mark, and drill out the factory upper inner welds attaching the wheelhouse section panel.

    Installation Procedure

      Object Number: 2016888 Size: SH
    1. Drill an 8 mm (5/16 in) hole every 35 mm (1 3/8 in) along the overlap on the new wheelhouse section.
    2. Prepare all mating surfaces for welding as necessary.
    3. Apply 3M Weld-Thru Coating P/N 05916, or equivalent, to all mating surfaces.
    4. Position the new wheelhouse section and check the fit.
    5. Plug weld wheelhouse section panel as necessary.

      6. Object Number: 2016880 Size: SH
    6. Complete the remaining plug welds.
    7. Install the left upper tie bar. Refer to Tie Bar Replacement - Left Side .
    8. Clean and prepare all bare metal surfaces.

      9. Important: Prior to refinishing, refer to publication GM 4901M-D-01 GM Approved Refinish Materials for recommended products. Do not combine paint systems. Refer to paint manufacturer recommendations.

    9. Apply the following as necessary:
      10. • Sealers and anti-corrosion materials
      • Two-part catalyzed primer
      • Top-coat
    10. Install all related panels and components removed for access.

    Front Wheelhouse Sectioning Right Side

    Removal Procedure
       • 
    Object Number: 2020732 Size: SH
  • When replacing a wheelhouse section, carefully position the service assembly using 3-dimensional measuring equipment to properly locate the wheelhouse.
    •    • 
  • Do not replace the entire wheelhouse when damage is limited to the front portion of the wheelhouse assemblies. In such a situation, the technician can section the wheelhouse.
    •    • 
  • Inspect for damage where the wheelhouse is attached to the cowl panel. If the panels have been separated, it will be necessary to repair the cowl panel and replace the wheelhouse. If the panels have not been separated and there is no damage in this location, the wheelhouse can be sectioned.
    1. Remove panels and components, as necessary, for access.
    2. Remove the right upper tie bar. Refer to Tie Bar Replacement - Right Side .
    3. Restore as much of the damage as possible to factory specifications.
    4. Remove all the sealers and anti-corrosion materials as necessary.

      5. Object Number: 2016871 Size: SH
    5. Locate, mark, and drill out the factory welds attaching the wheelhouse section panel.
    6. Remove the damaged section of the wheelhouse.

      7. Object Number: 2016890 Size: SH
    7. Locate, mark, and drill out the factory upper inner welds attaching the wheelhouse section panel.

    Installation Procedure

      Object Number: 2016871 Size: SH
    1. Drill an 8 mm (5/16 in) hole every 35 mm (1 3/8 in) along the overlap on the new wheelhouse section.
    2. Prepare all mating surfaces for welding as necessary.
    3. Apply 3M Weld-Thru Coating P/N 05916, or equivalent, to all mating surfaces.
    4. Position the new wheelhouse section and check the fit.
    5. Plug weld wheelhouse section panel as necessary.

      6. Object Number: 2016890 Size: SH
    6. Complete the remaining plug welds.
    7. Install the left upper tie bar. Refer to Tie Bar Replacement - Left Side .
    8. Clean and prepare all bare metal surfaces.

      9. Important: Prior to refinishing, refer to publication GM 4901M-D-01 GM Approved Refinish Materials for recommended products. Do not combine paint systems. Refer to paint manufacturer recommendations.

    9. Apply the following as necessary:
      10. • Sealers and anti-corrosion materials
      • Two-part catalyzed primer
      • Top-coat
    10. Install all related panels and components removed for access.