Removing C-Pillar Reinforcement

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2018 Porsche Cayenne, 2017 Porsche Cayenne, 2016 Porsche Cayenne, 2015 Porsche Cayenne, and 2014 Porsche Cayenne. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove rear side section (roof removed). → 535555 REPLACING REAR SIDE SECTION (ROOF REMOVED) - section on "Removing"
Remove outer side member (rear section). → 514555 REPLACING OUTER SIDE MEMBER - section on "Removing"
Remove closing panel. → 530555 REPLACING REAR CLOSING PANEL - section on "Removing"
Loosen welded joints.
1. 4.1. Drill out spotwelds using Spotweld Drill .
2. 4.2. Grind down MIG seams.
  
  Fig 1: D-Pillar Gusset Plate Component Location
  Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove D-pillar gusset plate.
Grind down MIG seams.

Fig 2: C-Pillar Reinforcement Component Location
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Grind down MIG seams.

Fig 3: Identifying C-Pillar Reinforcement MIG Seams
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Loosen welded joints.

Fig 4: Identifying Welded Joints C-Pillar Reinforcement
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
1. 8.1. Drill out spotwelds.
2. 8.2. Grind down MIG seams.
Grind down MIG seams.

Fig 5: Identifying MIG Seams C-Pillar Reinforcement
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Drill out spotwelds.

Fig 6: Identifying C-Pillar Reinforcement Drill Out Spotwelds
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Information

Drill out spotwelds A and B through two plate thicknesses.
Drill out spotwelds.

Fig 7: Identifying C-Pillar Reinforcement Drill Out Spotwelds
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Loosen welded joints.

Fig 8: Identifying C-Pillar Reinforcement Welded Joints
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
1. 12.1. Drill out spotwelds.
2. 12.2. Grind down MIG seams.
Loosen welded joints.

Fig 9: Identifying Welded Joints C-Pillar Reinforcement
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
1. 13.1. Drill out spotweld from outside.
2. 13.2. Grind down MIG seams.
Grind down spotwelds from outside.

Fig 10: Identifying C-Pillar Reinforcement MIG Seams
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Grind down MIG seams.

Fig 11: Identifying C-Pillar Reinforcement MIG Seams
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Grind down and drill out spotwelds.

Fig 12: Removing C-Pillar Reinforcement Drill Out Spotwelds
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Drill out spotwelds.

Fig 13: Identifying C-Pillar Reinforcement Drill Out Spotwelds
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Heat up connection areas using a hot-air gun.

Fig 14: Identifying C-Pillar Reinforcement Heat Up Connection Areas (1 Of 2)
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 15: Identifying C-Pillar Reinforcement Heat Up Connection Areas (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove C-pillar reinforcement.