Removing side section
Installation Location:
- Separation points on the side section can only be at the marked areas A and B .
1. Determining the cut
1.1. Determine separation point on C-pillar -A- to the dimension -X = 18 mm- , then mark the cut. See Fig 2.
1.2. Position cut on lower side member -B- so that the replacement body part overlaps the lower side member by approx. 60 mm, then mark the cut. See Fig 2.
2. Cutting through the lower side member
2.1. Cut through the side section at the marked separation point in the lower side member -A- using the oscillating body saw. See Fig 3.
- Risk of damage to roof reinforcement and/or internal body parts.
→ Only separate parts using the oscillating body saw.
→ In the event of damage: Repair affected area by applying inert-gas welds.
3. Cutting the C-pillar
3.1. Cut through the side section at the marked separation point in the C-pillar -A- using the oscillating body saw. Do not damage internal components when doing this. See Fig 4.
4. Milling off spotwelds
4.1. Mill off spotwelds in area -A- using a spotweld cutter. See Fig 5.
5. Milling off spotwelds
5.1. Mill off spotwelds in area -A- using a spotweld cutter. See Fig 6.
6. Separating spotwelds
6.1. Separate spotwelds in area -A- using a parting grinder. See Fig 7.
7. Milling off spotwelds
7.1. Mill off spotwelds in area -A- using a spotweld cutter. See Fig 8.
8. Milling off spotwelds
8.1. Mill off spotwelds in area -A- using a spotweld cutter. See Fig 9.
9. Milling off spotwelds
9.1. Mill off spotwelds in areas -A, B, D- using a spotweld cutter. See Fig 10.
9.2. Mill off spotwelds in areas -E- and -C- using a spotweld cutter (2 plate thicknesses). See Fig 10.
10. Separating and milling off spotwelds
10.1. Separate spotwelds in areas -A- and -B- using a parting grinder. See Fig 11.
10.2. Mill off spotwelds in area -C- using a spotweld cutter. See Fig 11.
11. Separating and milling off spotwelds
11.1. Mill off spotwelds in area -A- using a spotweld cutter. See Fig 12.
11.2. Separate spotwelds in areas -B- using a parting grinder. See Fig 12.
12. Separating spotwelds
12.1. Separate spotwelds in area -A- using a parting grinder. See Fig 13.
13. Milling off spotwelds
13.1. Mill off spotwelds in area -A- using a spotweld cutter. See Fig 14.
14. Bending up the side section
14.1. Bend side section up in area -A- until the internal spotwelds are accessible. See Fig 15.
15. Milling off internal spotwelds
15.1. Mill off spotwelds in area -A- using a spotweld cutter. See Fig 14.
- The outer side section is factory-sealed to the inner side section with expanded sealant in area -Y- . See Fig 17.
- The expanded sealant will be destroyed when you change the side section and must be replaced.
- In the case of bonded panel joints with a hardened bonded layer on the outer panel, apply a generous amount of heat to heat up the outer panel in the area of the spotwelds. Refer to 50 IN Processing structural body adhesive - as of MY 2005 (All Models) .
- After removing the loosened body part, old adhesive must be removed and any uneven spots sanded down. The flange area must then be pre-treated for bonding. For the procedure see: Information on the use of structural adhesive in vehicle manufacturing Refer to 50 IN Processing structural body adhesive - as of MY 2005 (All Models) .
16. Separating bonded joints and removing expanded sealant
16.1. Heat up bonded joints in the areas -A, B, C- between the side section and body using the Leister Elektron hot-air gun; see Gr. 3.5, Workshop Equipment Manual 00000 and remove side section. See Fig 18.