Removing Rear Center Panel Reinforcement

Fig 1: Rear Center Panel Reinforcement Component Location

Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Milling off spotwelds
1. 1.1. Mill off spotwelds in areas -A, B, C, D- using a spotweld cutter.
  
  Fig 2: Cutting Spotwelds
  Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Information

Removing expanded sealant
- The rear center panel reinforcement is factory-sealed to the rear cross member with expanded sealant in area -Y- .
- This expanded sealant is destroyed when replacing the rear center panel reinforcement and must be replaced.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Expanded Sealant
  Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Separating bonded joints and removing expanded sealant
1. 2.1. Heat up bonded joints in the areas -A, B, C, D- between the rear center panel reinforcement and rear cross member using the Leister Elektron Hot-Air Gun and remove rear center panel reinforcement.
  
  Fig 4: Separating Bonded Joints And Expanded Sealant
  Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.