Removing Hinge Pillar Reinforcement

Installation Location:

Fig 1: Hinge Pillar Reinforcement Component Location

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1. Remove outer hinge pillar. Manufacturer does not provide specific instructions.

2. Replace center side member (part replacement in area b ). Manufacturer does not provide specific instructions.

NOTE: Possible separation points on hinge pillar reinforcement

If it is certain that there has been no deformation of the hinge pillar reinforcement structure, the lower hinge pillar reinforcement can be separated in the area -A- for the following repair work. See Fig 2.
The possible separation points on the hinge pillar reinforcement can only be at the marked area -B- . See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Possible separation points

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Fig 3: Bending cowl panel frame reinforcement

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3. Bend reinforcement of cowl panel frame in overlapping area slightly upward -arrow A- . See Fig 3.

Fig 4: Separating inert-gas welded seams

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4. Separating inert-gas welded seams

4.1. Separate inert-gas welded seams in area -A- and -B- using a parting grinder. See Fig 4.

Fig 5: Milling off spotwelds

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5. Milling off spotwelds

5.1. Mill off spotwelds in area -A- using a spotweld cutter. See Fig 5.

Fig 6: Milling off spotwelds

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6. Milling off spotwelds

6.1. Mill off spotwelds in areas -A, B, C- using a spotweld cutter. See Fig 6.

Fig 7: Milling off spotwelds

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7. Milling off spotwelds

7.1. Mill off spotwelds in area -A- and -B- using a spotweld cutter. See Fig 7.

Fig 8: Separating inert-gas welded seams

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8. Separating inert-gas welded seams

8.1. Separate inert-gas welded seams in area -A- and -B- using a parting grinder. See Fig 8.

Fig 9: Milling off spotwelds

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9. Milling off spotwelds

9.1. Mill off spotwelds in area -A- using a spotweld cutter. See Fig 9.

NOTE: Separating body parts

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) .

10. Separating bonded joints on hinge pillar reinforcement

10.1. Heat up bonded joints between hinge pillar reinforcement and body using the Leister Elektron hot-air gun; see Gr. 3.5, Workshop Equipment Manual 00000 and remove hinge pillar reinforcement.